Tilt Renewables has reached a final investment decision (FID) on its second wind farm in a matter of weeks, approving the 288MW Palmer wind farm in South Australia.
This will enable construction to commence on the project this year, with Palmer capable of powering 142,000 homes once operational.
It follows Tilt’s approval of the Waddi Waddi wind farm in December, which the company said was the first FID reached on an Australian wind farm in 2025.
Tilt chief executive officer Anthony Fowler said the approval of Palmer was a significant milestone for the company and South Australia.
“It is a win for South Australia, which is leading Australia in the renewable energy transition,” he said. “It is also a win for our neighbours, local communities, and First Nations people who stand to receive more than $13 million in community benefits.
“The Palmer wind farm has been on the drawing board for over a decade and has undergone several changes to reduce its environmental and community impacts.”
Namely, Palmer has undergone technology improvements to support a reduction from 103 turbines to 40, which Fowler said will reduce the impacted area “while still generating a similar level of clean energy”.
“We see Palmer as a great location because the wind resource is strong and consistent, it’s close to existing electricity transmission and is on cleared farmland so grazing can co-exist with a wind farm,” he said.
In late September, Tilt inked a 15-year power purchase agreement with AGL to support the Palmer wind farm, with 45 per cent of Palmer’s output to be sold to the gentailer at a fixed price.
Palmer will facilitate more than 200 new jobs during construction and five permanent jobs. Turbine manufacturer Vestas, principal contractor BMD and ElectraNet have been engaged for the build.
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