Mt Emerald wind farm construction expected to start in December

The $360m Mt Emerald wind farm in Walkamin near Carins is travelling ahead of schedule, with construction now expected to start in December 2016. The project site is about half way between Mareeba and Atherton, 5km west of Walkamin.

The wind farm is being developed by Ratch Australia in partnership with Port Bajool, who have awarded the project to Dutch manufacturers Vestas and Sydney-based Downer Group. 

The project requires the supply and construction of more than 50 turbines, a substation, cabling to the grid, civil and electrical works, and wind monitoring equipment. 

The proposed site for the Mt Emerald wind farm on the Atherton Tablelands. Source: Cairns Post

Once completed, the wind farm has the potential to generate enough electricity to power 75,000 homes each year.

Earlier this year, Ergon Energy announced it will purchase all electricity generated by the wind farm through to the end of 2030. 

The construction phase will require about 150 workers, with 15 permanent jobs to be created to operate the wind farm. Contractors will provide opportunities to local workers and suppliers throughout the two-year construction phase. 

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Source: The Cairns Post, The Cairns Post