Construction has started on one of Victoria's largest solar farms, the 250 megawatt Goorambat East Solar Farm, which will supply enough renewable energy to power every household in the Rural City of Benalla and Rural City of Wangaratta twice over. The project is expected to create around 250 jobs and provide ongoing benefits to the region, including a community benefit fund of $75,000 per year for at least 25 years.
The solar farm is set to be operational by 2026. The nearby Winton Solar Farm, which was completed recently, has already begun supplying renewable power to the state's electricity grid. It can generate enough energy for 52,000 homes and created 200 jobs during its construction.
These solar initiatives are part of Victoria's growing renewable energy capacity, which currently contributes 39% to the state's electricity generation. Victoria is on track to meet its target of 95% renewable energy generation by 2035, a move that is expected to create thousands of jobs and drive down energy costs for residents.