• The Numurkah Solar Farm will generate 255 GWh of emission-free, clean, competitive renewable energy per annum to power key infrastructure such as the Melbourne tram network and Laverton steel works
• The support of the Victorian government was instrumental in the success of the Numurkah project
• With 128 MWp, Numurkah is the largest solar farm in Victoria; almost 300 jobs were created in the area during construction
• With this latest project, Neoen confirms its status as Australia’s leading independent producer of renewable energy

Neoen (ISIN Code: FR0011675362, ticker: NEOEN), one of the world’s leading and fastest growing independent producers of exclusively renewable energy, has today commenced full-scale commercial operation at its Numurkah Solar Farm in Victoria. The official opening took place with the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, Victoria Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change.

The 198 million AUD, 128 MWp solar farm, owned and developed by Neoen, is the largest in the state of Victoria. With 373,839 solar panels installed, it spans 515 hectares. The facility will produce 255 GWh of emission-free, clean, competitive renewable energy per annum – the equivalent of taking 77,000 cars off the road each year and enough to powe48,000 Victorian households. It will power Melbourne’s tram network and the Laverton steel works.

The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, Victoria’s Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, said “the Numurkah Solar Farm will play an important role in supporting the transformation of our energy network towards clean, renewable energy and reaching our renewable energy target of 50 per cent by 2030.”

The Green Certificates Purchase Agreement with the Victorian Government and its wider support for renewable energy development has been instrumental in making Numurkah possible. It has also benefited from a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with GFG Alliance’s SIMEC ZEN Energy.

Besides supplying more sustainable, reliable and competitive energy to Australians, Neoen is committed to local development and community growth. In addition to creating almost 300 jobs for the Numurkah region during construction, and a variety of employment opportunities during the solar farm’s service life, Neoen has established a Numurkah Solar Farm Community Fund to provide financial support to community groups to grow the region.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation, which provided 56 million AUD in loans towards the project, described Numurkah Solar Farm as a “path-breaking example of how solar energy can deliver a cost-effective solution for Victoria’s energy-intensive manufacturers.”

Louis de Sambucy, Managing Director of Neoen Australia, said, “Numurkah is an important project for Neoen and the commencement of commercial operations here is a significant milestone for our operations. We sincerely thank the Victorian Government, our partners and all our local stakeholders for helping us make this project a success. Neoen will continue to work with its partners, the local communities, councils and state governments to ensure that the people of Australia enjoy clean, reliable and affordable electricity for decades to come.”

Xavier Barbaro, Neoen’s Chairman and CEO, said, “We are very proud to be bringing into service the Numurkah Solar Farm. With this project, Neoen confirms its commitment as a long-term owner and operator contributing to Australia’s renewable energy transition. We are determined to continue growing our asset base in Australia, and we will pursue all future developments with the same integrity and respect for local areas.”

ABOUT NEOEN

Neoen is one of the world’s most dynamic independent producers (IPP) of renewable energy. With a capacity close to 3 GW in operation or under construction, Neoen is a high-growth company. Neoen is notably active in France, Australia, Mexico, El Salvador, Argentina, Finland, Zambia, Jamaica and Portugal. In particular, Neoen operates Europe’s most powerful solar PV farm (300 MWp) in Cestas, France, and the world’s largest lithium-ion power reserve (100 MW/129MWh storage capacity) in Hornsdale, Australia. Neoen is targeting more than 5 GW capacity in operation or under construction by 2021. Neoen (ISIN Code: FR0011675362, ticker: NEOEN) is listed on the Compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris.

For more information: neoen.com