AUSTRALIA’S largest windfarm owner will find out next month whether its found a preferred market for electricity generated at its proposed Forsayth Wind Farm.
Infigen’s $250 million Forsayth Wind Farm, at the northern end of the Newcastle Range, 45km southeast of Georgetown, has secured the necessary council, government and cultural heritage approvals.
The company was shortlisted in Ergon Energy’s renewable energy project development tender and is finalising its binding bid for submission next month.
Speaking at the Etheridge Economic Development Forum, Infigen representative Frank Boland said if successful construction would start mid-year.
“If its not successful there are other options but we are working hard for this tender given Ergon is the logical customer for this project,” Mr Boland said.
“We have done a lot of work over the last few years and its good now to be at the pointy end towards construction.”
The Forsayth Wind Farm will comprise 30 2.5 megawatt wind turbines with a hub height of 120 metres and 60-metre blades – 50 per cent higher than most other turbines.
“We are fortunate enough to have approval and a permit that allows us to use larger, more efficient modern turbines,” Mr Boland said. “These will be the largest turbines in the country by far.”
Mr Boland said the farm would connect with the existing Ergon Energy transmission line that already services the Gulf region and generate 75 megawatts of electricity.
He said Infigen had selected a preferred transport route to site and upgraded dams near the site as part of groundwork.
Up to 200 people would be employed over an 18-month construction period, he said.