Global Power Generation (GPG), the international energy generation arm of Spain-based Naturgy Group (Naturgy), has announced that Berrybank 1 wind farm is now operational.
Located 150km west of Melbourne, the wind farm is comprised of 43 turbines with a total installed capacity of 180MW. It is designed to generate approximately 644,000MWh of renewable electricity per year, enough electricity to power 138,000 Australian households.
Awarded by the Victorian government in the VRET 2017 Reverse Auction, energy generated from the project will be subject to a 15-year regulated tariff and contribute towards the achievement of the Victorian Renewable Energy Targets. The company invested $284 million Australian dollars in the development of the Berrybank 1 wind farm.
GPG created 117 new jobs and retained a further 166 existing jobs during the construction phase. During operations, the wind farm will be supported by a team of local employees and monitored 24/7 from GPG’s control room in Canberra.
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GPG CEO Francisco Bustio said, “We are pleased to have commenced operations at the Berrybank 1 wind farm, which will contribute towards the achievement of Victoria’s Renewable Energy Targets. In addition to generating employment opportunities during the construction phase and in ongoing operations, this project will support the energy transition with sustainable, clean and renewable energy.
“With Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) already secured for a further 482MW of wind farm projects and a 10MW/20MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), GPG is committed to playing an important role in the development of the renewable energy industry in Australia.”
Project director David Santo Tomás said, “The smooth development of the Berrybank 1 wind farm is testament to the exceptional collaboration between our staff, partners, and contractors. We are committed to continued investments in renewable energy projects that will accelerate the energy transition, generate affordable and sustainable electricity, and create local employment opportunities.”
