Power Grid

A significant wind project in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has received approval from the state government, signaling a boost to the region's sustainable economic goals. This development is in line with the state's broader commitment to green energy, as outlined in an update from a Washington-based energy platform.

The project is a collaboration between the NSW Labour government and WestWind Energy Ltd., who have entered a lease agreement for the construction of a large wind farm featuring approximately 201 turbines on Crown land in the state's southwest.

WestWind Energy plans to develop the wind farm over a three-year period, from 2029 to 2032, following necessary planning approvals and local community consultations. The Lake Victoria wind project has a capital cost of about $3.8 billion and aims to generate an installed capacity of around 1,000 megawatts, producing roughly 3,400 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.

This output is enough to power 700,000 households, marking a significant contribution to renewable energy in the region. Additionally, the project will include three battery storage systems with a combined capacity of 1,500 MWh, enhancing the reliability and sustainability of the electricity supply.

The lease agreement between the NSW Labour government and WestWind Energy also supports significant job creation. During the construction phase, the project is expected to generate 375 jobs, with up to 70 permanent positions for ongoing operations and maintenance once the wind farm is completed.

The lease, brokered by NSW Land Minister Steve Kemper, spans Crown land as well as privately owned land, typically used for grazing activities, ensuring a sustainable and collaborative land use model for the project’s development.

WestWind Energy, already involved in the Golden Plains wind farm in Victoria, is managing several large-scale renewable energy projects across multiple states, including New South Wales and Queensland. These projects are part of the company's broader vision for clean energy development.

The Lake Victoria wind farm, while still in the planning and consultation stages, is expected to be a key contributor to the region's renewable energy capacity once operational. Despite the project's ambitious goals, it is likely to become operational in the early 2030s, after finalizing planning and engaging with stakeholders.

The project’s future is poised to play an integral role in supporting the state's clean energy initiatives and its long-term economic growth.