The Mt Emerald Wind Farm in Far North Queensland has energised its new 275kV Walkamin Substation and switchyard and exported its first electricity into the grid.
“This new substation is the critical link to transport power generated at Mount Emerald,” Queensland Energy Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham, said.
“When testing and commissioning works are fully completed, the facility is expected to provide enough power annually to supply up to 75,000 homes — equivalent to supplying about one third of Far North Queensland’s energy needs.
“With the substation energised, Ratch is now working through a phased commissioning and testing. All works are on schedule to have Mount Emerald fully operational and powering Queensland by the end of the year.”
The wind farm has created around 150 jobs during construction, with Powerlink’s grid connection works supporting another 59 jobs.
The $380 million Mount Emerald Wind Farm is one of 13 renewable energy projects either underway or financially committed in North Queensland.
With a combined capital investment of more than $2 billion in the North Queensland economy, these projects will create more than 1800 jobs during construction and generate a total of more than 1000 megawatts of electricity.
Powerlink Chief Executive, Merryn York, congratulated the Powerlink team who delivered the connection project works ahead of schedule.
“We worked closely with Ratch to accelerate the commissioning date for the Walkamin Substation by ten weeks,” Ms York said.
“This was no easy feat, given the hilly and rocky terrain in the area which presented a number of design and technical challenges.”
