The 250 MW Goorambat East Solar Farm in Victoria’s north-east has officially registered with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), signalling its readiness for testing and commissioning. This milestone marks ENGIE’s first large-scale solar development in Australia, advancing the company’s renewable energy footprint in the country.
Location and Development
The solar farm is situated approximately 12 km north of Benalla, just south of the Goorambat township in Victoria’s Hume region, on the land of the Yorta Yorta people. The project spans 630 hectares across five rural properties within the Benalla Rural City Council area, with main access via Goorambat-Chesney Road, Spinks Lane and Saunders Road. Earlier in the year the Girgarre Solar Farm also located in Victoria became fully operational supplying the local grid with 93MW of energy.
Originally purchased from Neoen in 2023, ENGIE has since driven the project through approvals and construction milestones. A planning permit was secured in December 2019, with construction beginning in late 2024. In October 2024, a sod-turning ceremony was led by Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources, the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, alongside ENGIE ANZ executives.
Energy Output and Emission Reductions
The 250 MW solar farm will generate enough electricity to power up to 105,000 Victorian homes each year. It is expected to displace around 558,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, making a significant contribution to the state’s renewable energy and climate goals.
The project will connect to the grid via a newly built Goorambat East Terminal Station, located alongside the existing 220kV transmission line between Shepparton Terminal Station (SHTS) and Dederang Terminal Station (DDTS).
Investment and Financing
In August 2024, Deutsche Bank closed a AUD 348 million debt and bank guarantee facility for the Goorambat East Solar Farm, acting as the Initial Financer, Bank Guarantee Facility Provider, and Hedge Provider. This financing underpins the project’s delivery and long-term sustainability.
Goorambat East Solar Farm Factsheet
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Location: North of Benalla, Victoria’s Hume Region (175 km NNE of Melbourne)
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Developer: ENGIE ANZ (purchased from Neoen, 2023)
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Capacity: 250 MW (enough for ~105,000 homes)
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Land Area: 630 hectares across five rural properties
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Technology: Solar PV with grid connection to a new 220kV terminal station
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CO₂ Savings: ~558,000 tonnes annually
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Jobs Created: Up to 200 during construction
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Permit Approval: December 2019
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Construction Start: Late 2024
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Commissioning Phase: Began September 2025 (registered with AEMO)
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Completion Target: 2026
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Financing: AUD 348 million debt + bank guarantee facility (Deutsche Bank, August 2025)
