Australia’s “best” wind farm gains planning approval
Construction on Australia's "best'' wind farm project will commence next year following development approval.
When completed the wind farm will produce a maximum of 315 megawatts of power
Construction on Australia’s “best” wind farm project will commence next year following development approval.
The $250 million Hornsdale wind farm, to be developed by French company Neoen, will be located in the Mid North of South Australia, around the town of Jamestown.
Hornsdale is touted as Australia’s “best” wind farm project due to its high capacity factor of almost 50 per cent when compared to other wind farms in Australia which operate between the high 30s or low 40s.
When completed the wind farm will produce a maximum of 315 megawatts of power.
Hornsdale wind farm location
SA’s Climate Change Minister Ian Hunter welcomed the $250 million investment and said the project was one of many in the pipeline arising from the a focus on increasing renewable energy.
“Around the world there is fierce competition for the billions of dollars of investment available for renewable projects,” he said. “Projects such as the Hornsdale Wind Farm help us generate energy from clean, renewable sources.”
He said the government is committed to ensuring South Australia fully capitalises on the opportunities of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
“Climate change leadership, clear targets for renewable energy and associated regulatory support have made us competitive in the global race to attract investment for renewable projects,” he said.
“This project helps reinforce South Australia’s reputation as the country’s foremost renewable energy state, and helps contribute to the $10 billion low carbon investment target as well as the 50 per cent renewable energy target, both to be achieved by 2025,” he said.
“South Australia has established itself as the nation’s leader in wind energy investment, having attracted 41 per cent of the nation’s installed capacity.
“Our State has an international reputation – if it were a nation state, South Australia would be second only to Denmark in regard to wind energy.”
