Plans are underway for the second stage of the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm extension in South Australia, with an additional 24 turbines being secured.
Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has signed an 86MW engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Nexif Energy for 24 of V136-3.45MW turbines delivered in 3.6MW Power Optimised Mode.
This will add to the existing fleet of 126MW of Senvion turbines which are being serviced by Vestas.
The project is on course to successfully meet Nexif Energy’s long-term goals for South Australia.
Upon completion, Vestas will commence a 20-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement for the new turbines. This is designed to maximise energy production for the lifetime of the project.
With an energy-based availability guarantee, which covers both the turbines and balance of plant assets, Vestas aims to provide Nexif with long-term business case certainty.
Clive Turton, President, Vestas Asia Pacific, said, “Vestas shares Nexif Energy’s commitment for a sustainable future.
“Offering our world-leading energy solutions, we are pleased to continue our partnership and expand both the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm and Australia’s renewable energy footprint.”
Peter Cowling, Head of Vestas Australia and New Zealand, said, “Our ability to connect Senvion and Vestas turbines of the same wind farm to the grid, is an Australian first.
“We’ve combined our grid expertise, wind generation solutions and comprehensive knowledge of Senvion technology to make the expansion of Lincoln Gap a reality.”
Charles Rattray, Managing Director at Nexif Energy, said, “Nexif Energy is pleased to appoint Vestas as its EPC contractor and long-term maintenance service provider for Stage 2 of our Lincoln Gap Wind Farm.
“This completes the transition from Senvion, following its insolvency, with construction of Stage 2 and the operating, and maintenance and performance of the entire wind farm in the hands of a leading industry services provider – Vestas.
“Nexif Energy is now well positioned to focus on the implementation of its further expansion plans for the wind farm and at other sites within South Australia and Australia more broadly.”
Delivery of the turbines will commence in the first quarter of 2021, with commissioning to be scheduled in the third quarter of 2021.
The Lincoln Gap Wind Farm will provide over 800,000MWh of clean energy per annum.
