Goldwind Australia and AusNet Services have signed the connection agreement for construction of connection assets for the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm in Victoria.
Located 35km west of Ballarat, the project will be the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere, with a total capacity of around 530MW from 149 turbines.
Once operational, the wind farm will generate enough clean energy to power approximately 391,000 homes each year.
The connection agreement, which was also signed by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), set out the terms and conditions for the wind farm to connect to Victoria’s transmission network.
AusNet Services will build, own and operate a new transmission line that will run 70km south of the wind farm to a new 500kV terminal station and network interface.
AusNet will also build, own and operate the new terminal station and network interface.
AusNet executive general manager Chad Hymas said the company was proud to be making a meaningful contribution to wind farm development in Australia.
It is the sixth contestable project win in the past 12 months for AusNet Services.
“AusNet Services is pleased to partner with Goldwind on this significant project,” Mr Hymas said.
“This is a win-win for community, business and the environment as it supports central western Victoria’s energy supply system, accelerates local business and contributes towards job growth in the area during the construction phase.”
Goldwind Australia managing director John Titchen said finalising the connection agreement is a key project milestone and paves the way for the construction of the wind farm.
The Stockyard Hill Wind Farm will comprise of 149 Goldwind advanced technology turbines.
Goldwind Australia will provide engineering, procurement and construction services to the project and the warranty, operations and maintenance services once the project is operational.
The project is expected to create up to 300 jobs during construction peaks on site and employ up to 25 permanent maintenance staff once the wind farm is complete.
Powerline construction works will begin in July 2018 and are expected to be completed towards the end of 2019.