Project Update Project Update
Community Update
Issue 28 Issue 28
Congratulations to the successful organisations for receiving funding for the respective projects / programs. We look forward to seeing these progress and make a difference in the communities.
The next round of grant funding will open in October with a significant increase in funding with $60,000 available – so start planning your application now. Contact the Engagement Team via info@goldenplainswindfarm.com.au for more information.
COMMUNITY ENERGY PROGRAM
The Golden Plains Wind Farm Community Energy Program is now open for eligible residents to save $1,600 per year (the average energy bill for a Victorian residence)! Made possible through a partnership with Energy Locals, a leading clean energy retailer, this opportunity is for anyone living within 3km of a constructed turbine to take advantage of this scheme
There are some criteria the home will need to meet - for example, the home must be habitable; and be registered for the program Tenants renting a property in this area are eligible upon providing an energy bill confirming their address Unfortunately, Landowners who already have a contract with the Golden Plains Wind Farm are not eligible for this offer.
The Community Energy Program also includes a free energy audit for each home registered This is to help homeowners understand how they can minimise their electricity usage and reduce their carbon footprint Find more information overleaf
For more information and to check your eligibility, scan the QR code or visit: goldenplainswindfarm.com.au/community-energy-program
Visit Community Energy Program
PROGRAM PARTNERS
Eligible customers will need to switch to Energy Locals as their electricity provider
Geelong Sustainability will provide the optional free energy audits for the program The audit will result in tailored recommendations to help reduce energy consumption in their home
COMMITTED TO DELIVERING LOCAL BENEFITS
Golden Plains Wind Farm is committed to sharing project benefits with the local community
The Community Energy Program is being delivered as part of the project’s overall Community Benefits funding
Other initiatives include the Landscaping Program and Neighbour Financial Incentive Program
Visit Energy Locals
ABOUT ENERGY LOCALS
Energy Locals is a leading provider of sustainable and affordable energy solutions in Australia with a strong emphasis on renewable energy For more information, visit energylocals.com.au/golden-plains-wind-farm
ABOUT GEELONG SUSTAINABILITY
Geelong Sustainability is a not-for-profit community organisation that supports residents of Geelong and surrounding regions to be more sustainable in their everyday lives For more information vist geelongsustainabilityorgau
Construction Update
Construction on Golden Plains Wind Farm – East continues to progress well and remains on track to be completed in Q4 2025.
With 119 (of 122) turbines now fully erected with the 3 blades installed. The process of progressive turbine energisation continues through the various hold points required by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to bring the entire wind farm online – to date the wind farm is approved for 106 Turbines to generate at 560MW, which makes us the largest operating Wind Farm in the Southern Hemisphere!
All 1,464 components are now on site for Stage 1 with deliveries for Stage 2 ongoing, with the first of the Main Cranes taken over to Stage 2 of the project at the end of July
90 turbines have now been handed over to the Vestas operational team who are now permanently located at the office / warehouse complex constructed on Geggies Road.
Following the initial turbine completion process, remediation and punch listing is now well underway across the site.
As always, please reach out to the team if you have any specific questions about the project.
Construction Update (cont.)
Civil progress
All main works completed including base grouting – final rehabilitation works ongoing.
Turbine deliveries and installation
Onsite progress continues with a total of 113 completed turbines erected to date. As mentioned above, turbine deliveries are now complete with all 1,464 components delivered
Electrical and Grid Progress:
The project continues to energise turbines and increase power delivery. Testing of the electrical system is well advanced, with only nine (9) turbines left to become operational
Progress Snapshot
Images: Installations continue at GPWF-E with fantastic progress being made and the finish line in sight!
In The News
Golden Plains becomes biggest operating wind farm in Australia, pushes state to new record
The Golden Plains wind farm in Victoria is now officially the biggest operating wind farm in the country, after working through another hold point and being allowed to increase its generating capacity to 560 megawatts (MW).
The increase means the $4 billion project overtakes the Stockyard Hill wind farm, previously the biggest operating wind farm in the country with a capacity of 530 MW, and takes it ahead of the MacIntyre wind project in Queensland.
Golden Plains and Macintyre have been jockeying for the “biggest wind farm” title since they both began construction in 2023 MacIntyre will have a capacity of 923 MW when it is completed, while Golden Plains is being built over two stages – 756 MW and 577 MW, for a total capacity of 1.33 gigawatts.
Read the full story here:
https://reneweconomy.com.au/golden-plains-becomes-biggest-operating-windfarm-in-australia/
