The second stage of the Warradarge Wind Farm near Eneabba, Western Australia is now under construction, delivering an additional 30 turbines to the 51 already producing renewable energy since 2020.
The new turbines will have a generation capacity of 103MW of wind energy. Moreover, they will be the same size as the existing turbines, with a tip height of 152 metres and blates 67 metres long.
Earthworks are already underway on site to prepare for the installation of the additional turbines. The Warradarge Wind Farm expansion is due to be completed in 2027.
This $400 million project is anticipated to create more than 120 jobs at peak construction period.
“I am pleased ro announce construction starting on this important wind energy project for WA.
“The expansion of Warradarge Wind Farm represents a significant increase and contribution to renewable power generation in WA.
“Our State has abundant wind resources, particularly in the Mid West region.
“This project along with other grid-scale wind and solar farms and big batteries will enable us to exit coal by 2030 – faster than any other State.
“Relying on coal-fired power generation no longer makes sense – economically or environmentally.
“Warradarge Stage 2 is not just about building a bigger wind farm – it’s about building a better future for generations to come,” Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said.
Once up and running, the expanded wind farm will generate up to 283MW of clean energy for the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), making it the largest wind farm in Western Australia. The Warradarge Wind Farm will also be the biggest by energy generated, producing enough renewable energy to power about 164,000 households a year.
The wind farm is owned by Bright Energy Investments (BEI), which is a joint venture between Synergy and Potentia Energy. Government-owned Synergy has contributed $28.8 million towards the expansion.
The entire Warradarge Wind Farm is one of Australia’s top-performing wind assets. It is among more than 9,800MW of renewable energy, storage, and gas projects that will generate the power required by 2029-30 to support Western Australia’s closure of coal-fired power stations.
“Warradarge Wind Farm is recognised as one of the best in the country and Stage 2 will consolidate this success.
“We will continue to work closely with the local community and stakeholders to ensure the project benefits everyone,” Bright Energy Investment General Manager Tom Frood said.
Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Bright Energy investments (1, 2); Renew Economy