Microsoft-Backed 150 MW Carwarp Solar Park Enters Commercial Operation In Australia

Recurrent Energy, a global developer and operator of solar and energy storage projects and a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., has announced the commercial operation of its 150 MWac Carwarp Energy Park in Victoria, Australia. Located near Mildura, the solar project began operations ahead of schedule and is supported by a long-term power purchase agreement with Microsoft.

The facility is directly connected to Australia’s National Electricity Market through Victoria’s 220 kV transmission network. It includes around 243,000 high-efficiency TOPCon solar modules supplied by Canadian Solar. The project is expected to generate about 405 GWh of clean electricity annually, enough to meet the electricity needs of approximately 65,000 Australian households.

Carwarp Energy Park is also expected to deliver significant environmental benefits. Its annual renewable electricity generation is estimated to avoid around 227,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to removing more than 49,000 petrol-powered cars from Australian roads.

The project has received planning and grid approvals for the future integration of a 120 MW battery energy storage system. The planned battery will allow the facility to provide greater flexibility to the electricity grid and support system reliability as Australia increases its share of renewable energy.

The development has also generated economic benefits for the local community. Construction created approximately 300 jobs, while the operational phase is expected to continue supporting local employment opportunities.

As part of its wider community engagement efforts, Recurrent Energy, in partnership with Microsoft, has established a dedicated community benefit fund through its Community CaRE program. The fund is administered in Australia by Groundswell Giving and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. It will support community-led climate and environmental projects, including initiatives developed by First Nations communities.

Dylan Marx, CEO of Recurrent Energy, said the project’s early completion demonstrates the company’s focus on delivering large-scale clean energy infrastructure while creating long-term benefits for local communities.

Liz Fitch, Head of Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the importance of continued investment in renewable energy infrastructure. She said such investments will be important for Australia’s transition to a lower-carbon economy and for meeting the growing electricity demand associated with digital technologies.

The completion of Carwarp Energy Park strengthens Australia’s renewable energy capacity while creating a pathway for future integration of large-scale battery storage.