The first turbine at Goldwind Australia’s 532MW Stockyard Hill wind project has been connected to the Victorian transmission network and is now generating electricity.
So far, 90 of the project’s 149 Goldwind 3S turbines have been installed.
Goldwind and investment partner Nebras anticipate the project, which is the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere, to become fully operational in late 2020.
The first of the project’s three substations has also been energised, enabling turbines to be commissioned.
The remaining two substations are expected to be fully commissioned and energised in June.
Goldwind Australia managing director John Titchen said, “The project team and its contractors have worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone.
“The project’s size has at times proved challenging during construction, not only in constructing the wind farm infrastructure, but also constructing the 75-kilometre 132kV multi-duplex powerline and the Haunted Gully Terminal Station, which connects the project into the national energy grid.
“The highly focused team has worked collaboratively with project stakeholders to overcome these challenges and remain on schedule. The team has adapted well to managing risk during this difficult time and continues to make good progress.”
Construction of Stockyard Hill wind farm commenced in May 2018 and has seen more than 400 employees and contractors on site during stages of construction, including many local Australian companies.