Victorian energy park powers up under long-term Microsoft PPA

Ontario-headquartered module manufacturer and clean energy developer Canadian Solar subsidiary Recurrent Energy has powered up its 150 MW Carwarp Energy Park near Mildura, Victoria, which is backed by a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with US tech corporation, Microsoft.

By investing in new clean energy projects Microsoft uses renewable energy matching to partially offset the energy use of its operations, which currently draw directly from the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Able to generate the equivalent energy of 65,000 households, Carwarp has already received approval for a co-located 120 MW battery energy storage system (BESS).

Utilising approximately 243,000 high-efficiency Canadian Solar TOPCon modules, Carwarp is expected to generate about 405 GWh of electricity annually and avoid roughly 227,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.

Recurrent Energy Chief Executive Officer Dylan Marx said Carwarp Energy Park reaching commercial operation ahead of schedule demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver high-quality, large-scale renewable infrastructure safely and efficiently.

“With a long-term PPA secured with Microsoft, an established community fund, and approval to incorporate energy storage, Carwarp is positioned to provide strong community benefits, clean energy, and additional grid benefits for years to come,” Marx said.

Microsoft Australia and New Zealand Head of Corporate, External and Legal Affairs Liz Fitch said Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy will require sustained investment in the energy infrastructure that underpins future growth.

“Projects like Carwarp Energy Park are an important part of that effort, adding new renewable generation to the grid while supporting regional communities and long-term economic opportunity,” Fitch said.

“As demand for clean electricity grows, including from digital technologies and infrastructure, collaborations like this help strengthen Australia’s energy system and position the country to lead in a more sustainable and innovative future.”