Construction on Tasmania’s $280 million Granville Harbour Wind Farm has begun.
Once completed, the wind farm will have 31 turbines providing 112 megawatts of capacity, enough to power more than 46,000 homes.
Construction comes after Hydro Tasmania announced in 2017 that it reached an in-principle agreement with Westcoast Wind in relation to a power purchase agreement.
In addition to Granville Harbour, construction on Cattle Hill Wind Farm in the Central Highlands is progressing, and Hydro Tasmania is continuing with their $1 billion ten year upgrade to facilities to increase generation by 250GWh, which is enough additional generation to power over 30,000 Tasmanian homes.
The Granville Harbour Wind Farm will contribute towards plans to double Tasmania’s renewable energy capacity, have 31 turbines and connect to the network at Reece Power Station.
Hydro Tasmania welcomed the official start of construction on the 112MWwind farm on Tasmania’s west coast.
Acting CEO of Hydro Tasmania, Gerard Flack, said the business will buy about 360GWh of energy and renewable energy certificates per year from the new wind farm.
“The birth of Granville is another sign that Tasmania’s national energy revolution is really taking off,” Mr Flack said.
“We’re delighted to be supporting the Granville Harbour Wind Farm, and helping to make it happen.”
Tasmania currently has about 300MW of on-island wind power capacity, providing almost 10 per cent of Tasmania’s electricity.
The Battery of the Nation initiative, including plans for more interconnection, will open the door for up to 3000MW of Tasmanian wind power.
“Tasmania has huge natural advantages – including an existing hydropower system, exceptional wind resources, elite expertise, and the head-start we’re already taking,” Mr Flack said.
“Pumped hydro energy storage supports and complements wind development. Our work to identify Tasmania’s best possible pumped hydro sites under Battery of the Nation is progressing well.
“We’re pleased that the Tasmanian and Federal Governments have committed to pursuing the next stage of a business case for a second Bass Strait interconnector.”
