The recent planning approval of the Golden Plains Wind Farm in Victoria is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 3 million tonnes annually and provide clean renewable energy to power the equivalent of more than 500, 000 Victorian homes.
The project is being developed by WestWind Energy, a Victorian-based developer of renewable energy projects since 2004 and drawing on the experience of the Germany based Westwind group of companies, who have developed over 300 MW of wind energy projects in Germany. This project will see WestWind’s development experience in Australia exceed 1.6 GW of wind energy.
The Golden Plains Wind Farm Project involves the establishment of a wind energy facility (WEF) including wind turbines and associated electrical infrastructure on 16,739 Ha to the West, South and South West of Rokewood, within the Shire of Golden Plains; approximately 60 km North West of Geelong, in Victoria. The site is located on land that is primarily used for agricultural purposes that has been substantially modified over time due to agricultural operations such as broad acre cropping and livestock grazing.
The permit allows for the development of up to 228 wind turbines and associated infrastructure. Due to environmental and planning constraints the Project is only proposed to consist of 205 turbines. The planning approval was informed by the Environmental Effect Statement (EES), which places the highest level of scrutiny possible for a Victorian development, including a yearlong process of reviewing technical reports and responding to questions raised by members of a technical reference group and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
The project will provide a huge economic boost for the local region, with the creation of over 700 construction jobs in addition to over 70 direct operational jobs located in Victoria. The project will also deliver a comprehensive community benefits program, including free electricity, energy audits and a community benefit fund. As part of WestWind’s commitment to sharing benefits with the local community, a program will be initiated to facilitate host landholders and the community living within approximately 10km of the wind farm to invest financially in the project.
WestWind works with the Industry Capability Network (ICN) to maximise local business content in our projects and to ensure local industries are briefed on development progress and opportunities. The aim of the ICN is to bring Australian suppliers and project owners together by giving exclusive access to an online database of local projects, industry information sessions and business growth consultants to advise on work opportunities. Once businesses register their interest with the ICN, they will receive regular updates on the development of the Golden Plains Wind Farm. Work packages will also be updated on this site through construction.
The Golden Plain wind farm project was modelled by the greenmatch software. Would you also like to work with our financial modelling tool in the future? Register on our website.
More detail on the project at: w-wind.com.au
WestWind Energy Pty Ltd is an Australian company. WestWind Energy’s mission is to be a driver of change towards a sustainable energy future for our planet. WestWind Energy’s contribution is through the development of cost effective renewable energy generation and storage solutions refined through technical excellence, commitment to communities, and cohesive company values.
