Construction of the $276 million, 180MW Berrybank Wind Farm is now underway in Victoria.
The $276 million project to be built by Global Power Generation (Naturgy Energy Group) will boost renewable energy supply, as Victoria moves towards the Government’s renewable energy target of 50 per cent by 2030.
The 180-megawatt wind farm is intended to provide a major boost to the local economy, delivering 213 construction jobs and 24 apprenticeships, with wind turbine assembly set to recommence in Australia for the first time in ten years.
The brand-new Vestas Renewable Energy Hub on the former Ford site in Geelong will build the turbines for this project.
To support ongoing turbine maintenance, wind turbine technician training will also be delivered in Ballarat by Federation University.
The Berrybank Wind Farm is expected to commence operations in late 2020.
Victoria Premier, Daniel Andrews, joined Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, and Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle, to mark the start of major construction on the 43-turbine project which is expected to power around 138,000 homes.
Premier Andrews said, “Victoria is the renewable energy capital of our nation and thanks to this investment, we’ve put Western Victoria right at the centre – this is great for jobs and great for our state.
“Whether it’s the VRET or our Solar Homes Program, we’re driving down the energy costs for families, supporting local businesses and creating thousands of jobs.”
Minister D’Ambrosio said, “This is an exciting next step in driving down energy prices, reducing carbon emissions and creating jobs as we work towards our renewable energy target of 50 per cent by 2030.”
Ms Settle said, “I’m proud to see the Ballarat region helping to lead the way in Victoria’s renewable energy future, with all the local jobs and economic prosperity that flows from it.”
