The largest wind farm in Australia, located in the Golden Plains Shire 60 km north-west of Geelong, will soon begin construction in Victoria, marking a turning point in the state’s transition to a clean energy future.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio broke ground on the 215-turbine wind farm site, as announced by the Victorian government.
Upon its completion, the wind farm will generate nine per cent of the state’s total electricity demand, enough clean energy to power over 765,000 houses or every residence in regional Victoria.
“Victoria’s the clean energy investment capital of Australia, and this project is another example of how Victoria’s ambitious renewable energy policies are creating jobs and driving the renewables sector,” D’Ambrosio said.
The minister continued by saying that the Golden Plains wind farm is generating hundreds of local employment and, when finished, will be able to supply nine per cent of Victoria’s entire electricity needs.
Furthermore, the 1,300-megawatt project will be crucial in assisting Victoria in reaching its lofty goals of net zero emissions by 2045 and 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035.
According to the government, the wind farm is expected to prevent three per cent of Victoria’s entire greenhouse gas emissions, or more than 4.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, from being released into the environment each year.
Additionally, the project represents a $2 billion investment in Victoria and will generate 72 new long-term jobs in addition to 700 temporary jobs during construction.
In order to meet the Victorian Renewable Energy Storage Targets of having at least 2.6GW of energy storage capacity by 2030 and 6.3GW by 2035, the wind farm will include a 300MW battery storage plant.
A Community Reference Group has been formed to supervise community engagement on the project and to develop a Community Grants Program for non-profit community organisations, according to the government.
Overall, it is predicted that reaching Victoria’s renewable energy goals will result in $9.5 billion in economic growth and 59,000 two-year jobs between now and 2035.
