Gilbert + Tobin has advised a syndicate of banks on the financing of the Winton North hybrid solar and battery project, sponsored by European Energy, which reached financial close on 25 June 2026.
The financing supports the development, construction and long-term operation of the 100 MWp solar and 220 MWh (2 hour) battery hybrid facility located in Winton North, Victoria. The project is supported by long-term solar and battery offtake arrangements with Amazon Australia.
Winton North is a significant project for European Energy and the Australian renewables market. It reflects growing lender confidence in Australian hybrid solutions, an area that remains complex for sponsors, financiers and offtakers.
G+T’s cross practice energy, tax and finance teams advised the lenders on all aspects of the development and project financing of the transaction.
The G+T team was led by Energy, Resources and Infrastructure Partner Jamie Guthrie, with support from partners George Varma and Hanh Chau, lawyers Marshall Heller and Alex Bird and consultant Anthony Whitaker.
Jamie Guthrie said:
We are delighted to have supported the lenders on the Winton North transaction. Reaching financial close is an important milestone for European Energy and for Australia’s hybrid renewables market. Only a handful of sponsors have successfully achieved financial close on hybrid solar and battery projects, and these projects require lenders and sponsors to navigate complex technical, regulatory and financing issues. It has been fantastic to work with the lender group, European Energy and the Allens teams on this significant project.
