The Golden Plains Wind Farm is a true giant in the Australian renewable energy sector, not only in terms of size and capacity but also in its positive impact on the environment, economy, and local community.
Its statistics paint a clear picture of a project that is making a significant contribution to Australia's transition towards a cleaner future.
The Golden Plains Wind Farm in Australia is a massive and ambitious project set to be a landmark in the country's clean energy journey.
Here's a comprehensive overview:
Project Scope:
- Location: Golden Plains Shire, Victoria, roughly 60 km northwest of Geelong.
- Size: Sprawling across 16,739 hectares, it's planned to be Australia's largest wind farm.
- Capacity: Divided into two stages, the total generating capacity will be a staggering 1,332.4 MW.
- Stage 1: Operational since September 2024, it features 122 turbines with a combined capacity of 420 MW, enough to power over 200,000 homes.
- Stage 2 (West): Still under construction, this stage will have 93 turbines with a capacity of 800 MW. Completion is targeted for 2025.
Impact and Benefits:
- Clean Energy: Upon completion, the Golden Plains Wind Farm will generate over 4,000 GWh of electricity annually, enough to power over 765,000 homes and offset 4.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
- Economic Boost: The project is estimated to create over 1,200 jobs during construction and 30 ongoing operational positions. It will also bring significant investment to the Golden Plains Shire.
- Community Engagement: The developers are committed to working closely with the local community, providing opportunities for education, training, and employment.
Key Players:
- Stage 1: Developed by TagEnergy (85%) and Ingka Group (15%).
- Stage 2 (West): Owned and developed by WestWind Energy.
The Golden Plains Wind Farm in Australia stands as a testament to the country's commitment to clean energy. Here are some of its impressive statistics:
Location:
- Golden Plains Shire, Victoria, Australia
- Approximately 60 km northwest of Geelong
Size:
- Total Land Area: 16,739 hectares (larger than the city of Paris!)
- Planned to be Australia's largest wind farm once fully operational
Capacity:
- Total: 1,332.4 megawatts (MW) – enough to power over 765,000 homes
- Stage 1 (Operational): 420 MW (powering over 200,000 homes)
- 122 turbines, each with a 3.5 MW capacity
- Stage 2 (West): 901 MW (under construction)
- 93 turbines, each with a 9.7 MW capacity
- Expected completion in 2025
Energy Production:
- Over 4,000 GWh of electricity annually
- Reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 4.5 million tonnes per year
Economic Impact:
- Created over 1,200 jobs during construction
- Provides 30 ongoing operational positions
- Significant investment boost for the Golden Plains Shire
Community Engagement:
- Collaborates with the local community on education, training, and employment opportunities
Sustainability:
- Reduces reliance on fossil fuels
- Promotes clean energy generation
- Contributes to a more sustainable future for Australia
Golden Plains Wind Farm: Statistics at a Glance
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Golden Plains Shire, Victoria, Australia |
| Land Area | 16,739 hectares |
| Total Capacity | 1,332.4 MW |
| Stage 1 Capacity | 420 MW |
| * Number of Turbines | 122 |
| * Turbine Capacity | 3.5 MW each |
| Stage 2 Capacity (West) | 901 MW |
| * Number of Turbines | 93 |
| * Turbine Capacity | 9.7 MW each |
| Annual Energy Production | Over 4,000 GWh |
| Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction | 4.5 million tonnes per year |
| Construction Jobs Created | Over 1,200 |
| Ongoing Operational Positions | 30 |
This table summarizes the key statistics of the Golden Plains Wind Farm, providing a quick and comprehensive overview of its size, capacity, energy production, and impact.
The Golden Plains Wind Farm is a monumental undertaking that promises to be a game-changer for Australia's renewable energy landscape. It will not only generate clean power but also create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and contribute to a more sustainable future.