Neoen Commences Early Works on 412MW Wind Project in S. Australia

Renewable energy producer Neoen has finally launched its flagship Goyder Renewables Zone project in South Australia.

Notice to proceed was given to a consortium of GE Renewable Energy and Elecnor in late December 2021 for the construction of a 412 MW wind farm known as Goyder South Stage 1. The wind farm will consist of 75 GE 5.5-158 Cypress turbines, a model that has been widely deployed in Australia and globally.

The power plant will be connected to ElectraNet’s Robertstown substation via a new transmission line. Early works have commenced, and with supplementary approvals finalised, major construction works are scheduled to start in Q2 2022. The wind farm is expected to be operational in 2024.

Neoen intends to sell a significant volume of the energy generated under long-term power purchase agreements and has already secured a 14-year contract with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government for 100 MW. The ACT is an internationally recognised 100% renewable energy jurisdiction, focused on reaching zero emissions by 2045.

This was the fourth ACT renewable energy contract awarded to Neoen. As part of this winning bid, Neoen committed to build a large-scale battery in the ACT outside of the Goyder Renewables Zone, and construction of this 100 MW Capital Battery commenced in December.

Goyder South Stage 1 is the first part of Neoen’s Goyder Renewables Zone, a flagship project combining wind, solar and storage, located near Burra in South Australia’s Mid North region. Goyder South has received development approval for a total of 1200 MW of wind generation, 600 MW of solar generation and 900 MW of battery storage capacity, making it the State’s largest renewable project, says Neoen.

Future stages of the project will be unlocked with the arrival of Project EnergyConnect, the new 800 MW transmission interconnector linking South Australia with New South Wales, supporting South Australia’s ambition to become a major clean energy exporter.

Louis de Sambucy, Neoen Australia’s Managing Director said: “We are delighted to start building the first stage of our Goyder Renewables Zone, Neoen’s most competitive giga-project…we are privileged to be supporting South Australia’s ambition to be a renewable energy exporter and contributing to the ACT’s target of net zero emissions by 2045.”

Shane Rattenbury, ACT Government’s Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability added: “Canberra prides itself as a leader on climate action, with our 100% renewable electricity powered economy creating a healthier and more sustainable future. Our work with renewable energy generators, like Neoen, has been critical to achieving Canberra’s renewable electricity target.”

“The ACT’s contract with the Goyder wind farm means that Canberra’s electricity supply will continue to be sourced from 100% renewable electricity in the coming years. This will allow us to accommodate a growing population, support renewable energy initiatives such as electric vehicles and transition our economy off fossil gas,” added Rattenbury.