BayWa r.e. is a global force leading efforts to decarbonise the world’s atmosphere. While BayWa r.e. is a high-level thought-leader we know from experience that a large part of the change we seek happens at the grassroots, community level.
This was the case when we partnered with communities to deliver giant solar farms near Mildura, in Victoria’s northwest – Yatpool (106 MW) and Karadoc (112 MW).
When these community leaders recently invited BayWa r.e. to partner with them again to deliver another important project we were pleased to be included.
Together with the local Returned Services League (RSL) and Rotary we built a memorial cairn to honour two WWII RAAF airmen killed on a training flight at the Karadoc solar farm site in 1943.
This month on a scorching hot day near the entrance to the solar farm a ceremony was held to dedicate the memorial to Flying Officer Thomas Power, 24, and Pilot Officer Michael Dicken, 20.
About 20 community leaders gathered, including BayWa r.e.’s Nathan Everitt, Managing Director of Operation Services Australia who gave a speech and laid a wreath on behalf of the company.
“Being asked to be involved signifies that BayWa r.e. are an important part of the local community,” Mr Everitt said.
Managing Director of BayWa r.e. Projects Australia, Fleur Yaxley said the memorial is an important connection with the local community.
“It was with great pleasure that BayWa r.e. funded and facilitated the construction of the memorial cairn,” Ms. Yaxley said.
“Through the project’s development we learned about the site’s significant aviation history. We honour this historical value to the local community and treasure being included in this important project.”
Karadoc – One of two giant BayWa r.e. solar energy farms near Mildura, Victoria
Construction of the 270-hectare Karadoc solar farm in northwest Victoria was completed in 2019. With 330,000 solar PV panels, the site can generate enough renewable electricity (112 MW) to power 65,000 homes.
The Karadoc solar farm is only 20km from its sister project, Yatpool solar farm - 106 MW, electricity to power 40,000 homes.
Business energy retailer Flow Power and beer maker Carlton United Breweries (CUB) are offtake partners.
CUB’s Sustainability Manager said: “We have a history stretching back 180 years but if we want to be around for another 180 years we need to create a sustainable world and a sustainable business.
“This partnership powers our company in a sustainable way while reducing our power costs and securing our supply for the long-term.”
CUB make some of Australia’s most popular beers. They filmed an ad for their iconic VB brand at Karadoc. Check it out here
The Karadoc solar farm is a great showcase of BayWa r.e’s ability to deliver leading renewable energy projects.
