Construction begins on renewables project in Ky’s backyard

By Jemma Jones

Apr 1, 2025

European Energy’s Yannis Vasilopoulos, Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Corporation’s Mick Bourke, European Energy Australian manager Catriona McLeod, project manager Corey Kinnear and European Energy chief executive Erik Anderson break ground at the site of the Lancaster solar farm. Photo by Jemma Jones

Golden shovels and international representatives made for an interesting kick-off party for Australia’s next landmark renewables project.

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Representatives of Lancaster solar farm officially launched the project’s construction at the edge of its 172-hectare site on Tuesday, March 25, featuring a traditional Indigenous smoking ceremony and a symbolic ground-breaking event.

The 106MW project, slated to complete construction by November and be operational by the second half of 2026, is expected to bring energy to over 20,000 homes across Victoria.

The solar farm has been in development since 2018, first by company OX2 before being taken over by international renewables company European Energy.

European Energy chief executive Erik Anderson demonstrated his commitment by undertaking a 10-hour flight from Denmark and a two-hour drive to attend the launch of the company’s landmark project in the town.

“We have big ambitions in Australia, and Lancaster solar farm will help deliver energy security for Victoria,” Mr Anderson said.

European Energy Australian manager Catriona McLeod spoke at the ceremony. Photo by Jemma Jones

European Energy Australian manager of operations Catriona McLeod said there had been a lot of consultation with neighbours of the project.

“(The project) is something that you can quite comfortably be nearby without it having a negative impact that people might be afraid of,” she said.

“But there has been a lot of listening and just making sure that neighbours are aware of our plans, and our timing.”

Mr Anderson emphasised the project’s positive impact on the local economy, creating 80 construction jobs and 12 permanent positions, boosting employment opportunities and skills development in the region.

Erik Anderson (middle) participating in the smoking ceremony performed by Uncle Dixie Patten (right) and Mick Bourke (left). Photo by Jemma Jones

“We’re also looking forward to exploring how the Lancaster solar farm can give back to local organisations, Yorta Yorta people and regional business,” he said.

Uncle Dixie Patten performed a traditional smoking ceremony that served as a sacred ritual, invoking spirits to bestow blessings and protection upon the land, its First Nations inhabitants and all who visit and work on the project.

Representatives from Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation were also present, beginning the working relationship between European Energy and Indigenous Civil Group.

The renewables company is aiming to work with ICG for all facilities, amenities, lunchrooms and services across the project site, and YYNAC to ensure First Nations people share in the benefits of the energy transition.