Gamuda and Yanara sign delivery contract, moving Mortlake Energy Hub Stage 1 toward construction

28 Sep 2026 | Gamuda

Standing (L–R): Alice Tan, Bid Director, Gamuda Australia; Vivek Chandra, Project Director, Gamuda Australia; Martin Hermann, Founder & Chairman, Yanara; Jerome Ortiz, CEO, Yanara; Inna Kulawiec, Australia Head of Delivery, Yanara; Seated (L–R): Ewan Yee, CEO, Gamuda Engineering Australia; David Delmas, Australia CEO, Yanara

Early works to commence ahead of main construction in November 2026, advancing one of Victoria’s major solar and battery projects

Gamuda Australia and Yanara have signed the delivery contract for Stage 1 of the Mortlake Energy Hub (MEH-1) in western Victoria, paving the way for the hybrid renewable energy project to move into construction.

The contract follows Gamuda’s appointment in October 2025 under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) arrangement. The ECI phase enabled the partners to advance designs, undertake procurement and commence construction planning, ahead of the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract now being signed.

Early works are expected to begin in the coming weeks, including upgrades to the intersection of Hamilton Highway near the project site entrance. Main construction works are scheduled to commence in November 2026.

MEH-1 will combine 435 MW of solar generation with a 300 MW, 4.5-hour duration, battery energy storage system. The project will connect to Victoria’s existing 500 kV network through the Mortlake Terminal Station, enabling renewable energy to be stored and dispatched when needed.

The project is scheduled to be energized in April 2028, with operations expected to commence in the first quarter of 2029.

“MEH-1 is entering a critical phase of delivery, and our partnership with Gamuda brings together the expertise, capability and shared ambition needed to realize this landmark project,” said David Delmas, Australia CEO, Yanara.

“Beyond its scale, MEH represents the next generation of clean energy infrastructure, combining renewable generation and storage to deliver reliable, dispatchable power while creating lasting economic value for local communities and Victoria’s energy future,” he added.

Once operational, MEH is expected to generate enough renewable energy to supply approximately 200,000 Victorian homes each year. By combining solar generation with battery storage, the project will provide greater flexibility to Victoria’s electricity system as renewable energy accounts for a growing share of the state’s generation mix.

Gamuda Engineering Australia CEO Ewan Yee said the project will help secure Victoria’s renewable energy targets while being central to GEA’s growth trajectory both locally and across wider Australia.

MEH will support Victoria’s renewable energy targets of 65 percent by 2030 and 95 percent by 2035, as well as the state’s objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.

“This award from Yanara is particularly meaningful for Gamuda as it is our first project in Victoria and will create opportunities for local businesses and workers contributing to the long-term prosperity of the communities within the region through the creation of over 300 jobs,” Ewan said.

“Through our early involvement and collaboration with Yanara through a Contractor Led Design and Procurement process we have progressed the design and procurement to around 80% compared to 30% under a traditional ECI phase, significantly derisking the EPC delivery. Further, this process has allowed for early and targeted community and stakeholder engagement, environmental planning and we look forward to an ongoing successful partnership with Yanara,” he added.