Overview

The Goorambat East Solar Farm, located approximately 12 kilometres north of Benalla in Victoria, is a ground-breaking renewable energy project leading Australia’s transition toward a cleaner energy future. Developed by ENGIE, this 250 MW solar farm is designed to generate clean, reliable energy for Victorian homes and businesses, powering up to 105,000 households annually and reducing CO₂ emissions by 558,000 tonnes each year. Construction began in late 2024, with the project expected to become operational by 2027.

Commodore Australia is making a significant impact on this project by supplying advanced diesel offset power skids, critical for powering Elecnor’s site offices during the construction phase. These skids exemplify cutting-edge engineering, combining sustainability and efficiency to enhance project delivery.

Elecnor Cuts Fuel Costs by 98% and Diesel Use by 49,000 Litres

Operations Manager for Elecnor Australia, shares the results:

“Switching to an off-grid system from Commodore Australia has transformed our remote operations. We’ve cut fuel and generator costs from nearly $90,000 a year to about $1,000 a month, reduced diesel use by over 49,000 litres, and virtually eliminated maintenance downtime.

We now have a hybrid solar and battery setup that is reliable, flexible, and meets our strict environmental standards. The investment paid for itself in just 16–18 months, and we now enjoy a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable power solution.

Commodore’s team provided exceptional support – the quality, professionalism, and performance have exceeded our expectations.”

Carlos Felipe del Valle Sierra, Operations Manager Energy Division (Substations and Stand-Alone BESS)

Commodore’s Advanced Power Skids

Commodore’s transportable power skids are designed to meet the unique demands of large-scale renewable energy projects. They provide a reliable and eco-friendly energy solution tailored for seamless site operations.

Key Features:

• PowerHub Commercial with DC Air Conditioning: Ensures energy-efficient cooling for site offices and critical equipment.
• 45kVA Victron Three-Phase Output Power: Delivers consistent and robust energy for demanding site activities.
• 44kVA Commodore Diesel Generator: Acts as a dependable backup power source, minimizing reliance on the generator with efficient integration.
• 60kWh Battery Storage: Enables surplus energy storage to reduce generator use and improve operational efficiency.
• 6.6kW Solar Array: Provides renewable solar energy to offset diesel consumption and lower costs.
• 550L External Fuel Tank: Allows extended operation without frequent refuelling, reducing downtime.
• Rapid Deployment Capability: Electric actuators simplify setup at the press of a button, ensuring quick and hassle-free deployment.
• Wind Compliance: Fully engineered for Wind Region A, with models available for harsher conditions in Wind Region D.

Supporting Sustainability and Efficiency

General Manager at Commodore, James Dainton, emphasizes the value of these skids:

“Our power skids are specifically engineered to provide reliable, efficient, and sustainable power solutions. By integrating solar energy, battery storage, and minimal generator use, we ensure that construction teams can focus on their work without worrying about power interruptions. It’s a game-changer for projects like Goorambat East Solar Farm.”

Operational Benefits:

• Environmental Impact Reduction: Diesel offset systems significantly cut fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and noise pollution.
• Cost Efficiency: The synergy of solar, battery storage, and efficient generator use ensures a high return on investment by reducing operational costs.
• Ease of Deployment: Modular design and rapid deployment features streamline logistics and enhance site productivity.

Goorambat East Solar Farm: A Landmark Project

Spanning 630 hectares and utilizing up to 500,000 PV panels, the Goorambat East Solar Farm is a major milestone in Australia’s renewable energy landscape. Key highlights include:

• Community Benefits: The project will create approximately 200 jobs during peak construction and contribute $75,000 annually to a community benefit fund for 30 years.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Includes funding for a 5G mobile tower to improve connectivity in Goorambat.
• Environmental Milestones: The solar farm will displace hundreds of thousands of tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

Commodore’s Role in Renewable Energy

Commodore’s power skids underscore its leadership in delivering innovative, off-grid energy solutions. Designed to meet the growing demands of renewable energy construction, these skids exemplify reliability, sustainability, and efficiency, ensuring successful project execution.

Conclusion

The Goorambat East Solar Farm marks a significant step toward achieving Australia’s renewable energy goals, and Commodore’s power skids are integral to its success. By providing advanced, eco-friendly power solutions, Commodore is proud to support one of the largest solar projects in Victoria.

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For companies seeking robust, scalable commercial off-grid solutions, Commodore Australia offers custom-engineered systems to meet the energy demands of any size projects. To explore how our solutions can benefit your business, visit our commercial off-grid page.