MinterEllison is pleased to have assisted Pacific Partnerships Pty Ltd (Pacific Partnerships), being the investment arm of the leading Australian infrastructure contractor CIMIC Group, in its acquisition of the Cobbora Solar Farm, being a 700MWac solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) situated in the NSW Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.

Once developed, Cobbora Solar Farm will be one of the largest solar farms in Australia. The indicative footprint of the site is around 3,000 hectares and is projected to generate enough clean renewable energy to power 280,000 average-sized homes, across an area that can accommodate up to 1600MWh of BESS to supply energy on demand.

This acquisition adds to Pacific Partnerships’ extensive suite of renewable energy projects across Australia, including the Hopeland Solar Farm, a 300 MWdc solar farm within the Southern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone.

Pacific Partnerships will manage the construction, investment, delivery and operations of the Cobbora Solar Farm, and will work with CIMIC Group’s subsidiary, UGL, in undertaking early works, development and maintenance of the solar farm and BESS.

The MinterEllison deal team was led by Partner, Paul Paxton, assisted by Senior Associate Tegan Broadfoot.

Commenting on the deal Partner, Paul Paxton, said:

"The solar farm forms part of CIMIC Group's strategic commitment to Australia's energy transition, and will contribute to the Australian Government's target of net zero emissions by 2050. We were pleased to assist Pacific Partnerships on this deal and once again, to display MinterEllison’s commitment to being a leading adviser in renewable energy."

More information on this acquisition can be found here: Pacific Partnerships to develop one of Australia's largest solar farms (cimic.com.au)