Tender launched for Victoria’s ‘largest solar farm’

Plans to build what could be Victoria’s largest solar farm – and potentially a contender for powering Melbourne’s tram network – are gaining momentum, with the launch of a local government tender to develop a utility-scale project near Shepparton, in the state’s north.

Greater Shepparton City Council is calling for expressions of interest from parties wishing to lease Goulburn Valley Link land in the rural town of Mooroopna to host a major solar farm. Tenders must be submitted by March 1.

As reported in Shepparton News this month, the local Goulburn Valley Environment Group had previously earmarked the site as a potential solar farm, with the potential to meet an energy shortfall in Tatura and to restore the region’s label as a solar city.

The council voted in September to cast the net for parties seeking to lease the land east of Toolamba Rd and the railway line for construction and use as a solar farm after receiving significant interest.

In an interview with Country News, GV Community Energy chairman Kevin Simpson said he believed the solar farm had the potential to be the state’s largest, producing enough energy for ‘‘big users’’.

Read the RenewEconomy story - “Tender launched for Victoria’s ‘largest solar farm’.”