Local employees at the Karadoc solar farm had an opportunity to showcase their skills today, with Victoria’s Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio joining BayWa r.e. and Beon Energy Solutions to tour the construction site.
Due for completion later this year, the 664-acre 112MW solar farm, located near Mildura will generate enough power to supply 110,000 Australian homes, making it one of the largest in the country.
The project will employ 300 workers during the construction phase, including 25 apprentices studying at the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, as well as 40 local employees hired through a partnership with the Jobs Victoria Employment Network in Mildura.
Ms D’Ambrosio said: “The Karadoc solar farm is a great example of a renewable energy project delivering cleaner energy, local jobs and economic growth.”
Karadoc is being developed by BayWa r.e., a global renewable energy developer, service supplier, wholesaler and energy solutions provider, and constructed by Melbourne-based Beon Energy Solutions.
Beon Energy Solutions’ General Manager, Glen Thomson, said: “The building phase has provided opportunities for local workers to gain the experience and qualifications they need to work at other renewable energy sites across the state.
“The Solar Industry Career Pathway program we created in partnership with SuniTAFE, opens doors for people who may otherwise have struggled to find employment,” Mr Thomson said.
“This has been successful in helping us achieve our goal of constructing Karadoc using as many local workers as possible, giving back to the local community and supporting the wider region.”
A large part of the power generated by Karadoc will be used by Carlton & United Breweries, following the recent signing of a 12-year Power Purchase Agreement.
David Shapero, Managing Director of BayWa r.e. Wind Pty Ltd, said: “We were delighted Minister D’Ambrosio was able to visit the site. It provided the ideal opportunity to see first-hand how projects like Karadoc are helping Australia transition towards greener energy, while also creating valuable employment opportunities for local workers.
“This is just one of a number of solar and wind projects we are bringing forward, including the 106MW solar farm in nearby Yatpool.
“Australia is an exciting market. We are seeing a rising number of leading businesses start their renewable journey and Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) is a great example. We will supply power from Karadoc as part of CUB’s objective to source 100 percent of its energy from renewables,” Mr Shapero said.
