Australian energy company Tilt Renewables has celebrated the official opening of the largest operating wind farm in New South Wales.
The 396MW Rye Park wind farm was officially launched by Penny Sharpe, NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Heritage.
Owned by Tilt Renewables, the wind farm features 66 turbines, each with a capacity of 6MW.
The wind farm is located to the north of Yass and east of Boorowa, on the edge of the Southern Tablelands and the South-West Slopes near the township of Rye Park.
Tilt Renewables chief executive Anthony Fowler said the Rye Park project was a valuable addition to the company’s nation-leading portfolio of wind energy assets.
“This project represents a major step forward in Australia’s transition to a clean energy future,” he said.
“With 66 turbines now standing tall across these hills, the fully operational Rye Park wind farm can generate up to 396 megawatts of renewable energy – enough to power approximately 215,000 homes.
“It’s a big win for New South Wales, and a significant milestone for Tilt Renewables, which is a leading Australian-owned renewable energy business and the largest owner of wind and solar generation in the country.”
Penny Sharpe added: “Projects like Rye Park wind farm show the strong progress being made in the energy transformation.
“With three out of four of the state’s remaining coal-fired power stations due to close in the next decade, Rye Park plays a vital role in keeping the lights on.
“The Minns Government welcomes this project that will supply more reliable and affordable energy.”
More than 55% of Rye Park’s output is provided to Newmont’s Cadia gold mine through a long-term power purchase agreement.
The remaining 45% of the energy generated is contracted with Tilt Renewables investor AGL, helping to deliver cleaner, more reliable energy across the grid.
The opening was marked by a turbine ribbon-cutting ceremony at the wind farm, followed by a community celebration at nearby Rye Park Recreational Ground.
During construction, Tilt Renewables invested $250,000 in local benefit sharing initiatives, supporting initiatives including school mental wellbeing programmes, the Country Education Foundation and the Rye Park Recreation Ground’s food truck.
Fowler said Tilt Renewables would contribute more than $230,000 every year to local community groups through Community Enhancement Funds, administered in partnership with the Hilltops Council, Yass Valley Council and Upper Lachlan Shire.