Goldwind Australia has signed the connection agreement for construction of connection assets for the 530MW Stockyard Hill Wind Farm in Victoria.
AusNet Services will build, own and operate a new transmission line which will run 70km south of the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm to a new 500kV terminal station and network interface. AusNet Services will also build, own and operate the new terminal station and network interface.
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.
Goldwind Australia’s 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.
“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.”
The Stockyard Hill Wind Farm will comprise 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.