Energy infrastructure group, APA, has officially opened its Badgingarra Wind Farm in Western Australia.
Western Australian Energy Minister, Bill Johnston, opened the Wind Farm, which is located at Hill River, 220km north of Perth, during a formal ceremony.
The $315 million Badgingarra Wind Farm consists of 37 wind turbines (3.6MW) and will be co-located with APA’s $40 million 17.5MW Badgingarra Solar Farm, which is under construction.
Badgingarra’s potential annual energy output is equivalent to powering about 115,000 Western Australian homes.
The project has received a network access connection offer to the Western Power network (North Country region).
Together with APA’s nearby Emu Downs Wind and Solar Farms, the projects create a 247.5MW renewable energy precinct.
“I’d like to congratulate the APA Group and everyone else involved with the construction of the Badgingarra Wind Farm,” Mr Johnson said.
“It’s well recognised that a major transformation is underway in our State’s electricity sector, with rapid uptakes of rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems at households.
“This transition is expected to continue in the coming decades and is being replicated in electricity sectors all over the world.
“Projects, such as Badgingarra, illustrate the great potential we have in Western Australia to take advantage of these changes, particularly in creating valuable regional opportunities.”
APA Group CEO and Managing Director, Mick McCormack, said, “The opening of the Badgingarra Wind Farm marks an important step in APA Group’s growth strategy and is testament to an outstanding collaborative effort between Alinta, Western Power, Siemens, our construction partner, the Australian Energy Market Operator, and the APA team, which worked tirelessly to deliver this project.
“APA strongly believes in the significant role renewables will play in Australia’s energy future, as part of a portfolio solution alongside reliable energy sources, like gas. Australia needs to reduce its carbon emissions and the Badgingarra Wind Farm has a key role to play, as part of APA’s renewable energy precinct in Western Australia.
“The Badgingarra Wind Farm is one of the largest green energy initiatives in Western Australia and will have significant positive environmental impacts, as well as already enhancing local employment and business opportunities in the surrounding towns and communities.
“I particularly welcome the strong local support APA Group received today from Western Australia’s Energy Minister, the Honourable Bill Johnston; the local member for the Agricultural Region, the Honourable Laurie Graham; and Shane Love, member for Moore; and representatives from our local councils, who understand the critical role renewable energy plays in building and sustaining economic prosperity in regional Australia.”
