Neoen has inaugurated its 412MW Goyder South wind farm, the largest in South Australia and the biggest project in the company’s global portfolio.
Located near Burra in South Australia’s Mid North region on the lands of the Ngadjuri Nation, the two-stage development comprises 75 turbines and will generate around 1.5TWh of renewable electricity a year, increasing the state’s wind generation by more than 20%.
The project supports South Australia’s goal of reaching 100% net renewables by 2027 and is backed by three long-term power purchase agreements, including a 14-year, 100MW deal with the Australian Capital Territory government, a 10-year, 40MW agreement with Flow Power, and a 70MW renewable baseload contract with BHP to power its Olympic Dam mine.
Jean-Christophe Cheylus, Neoen Australia’s chief executive, said: “Goyder South is a credit to the world-class wind resources of South Australia and to the team’s leadership in leveraging these to develop high-quality projects. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped bring this wind farm to life – our host landowners, the Governments of South Australia and the ACT, and the Regional Council of Goyder, as well as ElectraNet, AEMO, BHP and Flow Power. We hope to continue our longstanding partnership for years to come!”
South Australia’s minister for energy and mining Tom Koutsantonis said: “I commend Neoen on this significant investment and seamless development of what is now the biggest wind farm in South Australia. We are well on track for South Australia to meet its goal of 100 per cent net renewables generation by 2027, and projects such as this are at the vanguard of that ambition.”
Neoen group chief executive Xavier Barbaro added: “We are proud of what has been achieved at Goyder South, the largest wind farm in Neoen’s portfolio, and of the decisive role we are playing in South Australia’s journey to net zero. Projects of this scale and quality enable us to deliver value to governments, customers and community stakeholders alike.”
Goyder South created more than 400 construction jobs and 12 permanent positions, generating over A$100m in local supply chain value. The project also delivered a new national park at Worlds End Gorge and will provide an annual A$250,000 community benefit programme.
Neoen’s total contribution to South Australia’s energy transition will exceed 1.5GW once construction of the Goyder North wind farm and Goyder Battery begins, forming part of the wider Goyder Renewables Zone.