Ark Energy’s 300MW St Patricks Plains Wind Farm in Tasmania has been granted environmental approval from the federal government.
St Patricks Plains Wind Farm will be located in the state’s Central Highlands region, and will comprise up to 47 turbines. Under DCCEEW’s approval, the project must be undertaken in accordance with specified conditions.
Related article: Tarong West Wind Farm ticks federal enviro approval
“The conditions are achievable and Ark Energy looks forward to working through them with guidance from specialist ecologists and planning partners,” the company said in a statement.
“Commitments also include installation of the IdentiFlight bird detection system to minimise potential impacts to eagles.”
With the project now approved by Central Highlands Council, the EPA Tasmania and DCCEEW, surveys have commenced to finalise the location of infrastructure and further minimise potential impacts.
“Over the coming months consultants and contractors will be onsite to conduct further surveys and tests to ensure the ground conditions, including any artefacts, species and habitat, are known,” Ark Energy said.
Related article: Hydro Tasmania calls for new wind and solar projects
Work over the next 9-12 months will focus on grid connection studies, secondary approvals including preparation of the final design report, and arrangements for transporting components to site.”
Construction of St Patricks Plains Wind Farm is currently scheduled to commence in early 2027.
