Focus

Goldwind Australia and AusNet Services have signed the connection agreement for construction of connection assets for the 530 megawatt (MW) Stockyard Hill Wind Farm in Victoria.

The connection agreement, which was also signed by the Australian Energy Market Operator, 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 which will run 70 kilometres south of the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm to a new 500 kilovolt (kV) terminal station and network interface.  AusNet Services will also build, own and operate the new terminal station and network interface.

Goldwind Australia’s Managing Director Mr John Titchen, said finalising the connection agreement is a key project milestone and paves the way for the construction of the wind farm.

“AusNet Services will deliver and operate the connection of Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, Australia’s largest wind farm, to the transmission network,” Mr Titchen said.

“Preliminary works for the construction of the powerline, such as surveying and access track development, will begin shortly,” Mr Titchen said.

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. Goldwind Australia has appointed a joint venture between SNC-Lavalin and WBHO as the Balance of Plant contractor for the project.

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.

Once operational, Stockyard Hill Wind Farm will produce clean energy to power approximately 391,000 Victorian homes.