Golden Plains Wind Farm - Project Update #16

Project Update Issue #16 – February 2022 WELCOME Happy New Year and welcome to Issue #16 of the Golden Plains Wind Farm Newsletter.

We trust that you had an enjoyable and safe festive season, and hopefully were able to spend time with loved ones to make some Christmas memories.

Since our last project update, there has been a lot happening behind the scenes as we move closer to on-site construction activities.

Importantly, we received the exciting news in December that the Planning Minister approved our Permit Amendment Application. This positive step enables us to progress with the finalisation of our management plans and complete the final preparations for commencement of preliminary construction works. Please look out for updates and information as details of these activities become available.

This month, we publicly announced our equity investor, TAG Energy, and our engineering, procurement and construction partner, Vestas.

This is a significant milestone that is the result of countless hours of work behind the scenes, and you can find more information on page 3.

We have been busy in the community, both online and in-person over the past few months

Office 4 Nexus Centre, 17 Goode Street GISBORNE VIC 3437 (03) 5421 9999 info@goldenplainswindfarm.com.au

and you can read about some of the things we have been up to in this Project Update, including our successful Industry Briefing and the fun and successful Rokewood Christmas Event.

Our Community Reference Group was busy late last year, assessing grant applications and providing their recommendations for funding to Golden Plains Wind Farm. You will be pleased to hear that the Rokewood Primary School has been successful this round, with $10,000 awarded to fund a long-awaited project. You can read more about this exciting project on page 2 of this Project Update.

The next round of Community Benefit Funding will open in April, and we encourage you to keep an eye on your emails and our website for information as we get closer to applications opening.

On page two of this Project Update, you’ll see an introduction to our new GPWF team member– Daniel Mapleson. We’re thrilled to have Daniel on board and know you will all make him feel welcome when he visits the community.

As always, we invite you to get in touch with us with any questions you have about the Golden Plains Wind Farm project, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can be of any assistance.

www.goldenplainswindfarm.com.au @goldenplainswindfarm

VIRTUAL INDUSTRY BRIEFING A BIG SUCCESS

A NEW PLAYGROUND FOR ROKEWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL

At our September industry briefing, we had a great ‘virtual’ turn-out where we discussed the Golden Plains Wind Farm and local businesses.

Tobi Geiger and Simon Clifton were joined by representatives from MPC Kinetic, Consolidated Power Projects and the Industry Capability Network to provide information on the Project’s work packages that will be made available for tendering. A replay of the briefing is available on our website, along with further information on business and employment opportunities.

WELCOME DANIEL MAPLESON!

Rokewood’s school children will finally have a new playground to enjoy, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Golden Plains Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.

“Our original playground had to be decommissioned at the end of 2020” said Rokewood Primary School Principal Ben Cook.

“Research tells us that playgrounds are vital for the natural growth and development of children's cognitive learning, physical development and social growth. Therefore, the timely construction of a new playground for students at Rokewood Primary School is extremely important.”

We are pleased to introduce you to our new Senior Project Manager, Daniel Mapleson!

Daniel has 20 years’ experience in the civil and renewable engineering industry with extensive experience in large infrastructure and renewables design. Most recently, Daniel was involved with Victoria’s ‘Big Build’ as part of the Technical Advisory Team working with Major Roads Projects Victoria.

Daniel will be providing crucial support to our leadership team as we push closer to commencement of construction this year.

Office 4 Nexus Centre, 17 Goode Street GISBORNE VIC 3437 (03) 5421 9999 info@goldenplainswindfarm.com.au

“We welcome the opportunity to support local community groups that are working hard to make a positive and lasting contribution to the regional communities around the Golden Plains Wind Farm” said WestWind Energy Chief Operating Officer Marla Brauer.

“We appreciate the importance of supporting the great local initiatives in the communities where we develop, and we are proud to be able to provide funding to these valuable projects.”

www.goldenplainswindfarm.com.au @goldenplainswindfarm

GOLDEN PLAINS WIND FARM SECURES EQUITY INVESTOR AND EPC CONTRACTOR

MEET THE PROJECT TEAM

Global clean energy producer TagEnergy has been secured as equity investor for the Golden Plains Wind Farm and Vestas will deliver the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) for the project and long-term service and maintenance for 30 years.

TagEnergy, part of the Impala SAS group, is a clean energy enterprise for a new cycle in the renewable energy industry. It was formed in 2019 to accelerate the energy transition by developing and investing in competitive and clean power stations in order to compete directly and actively on the energy markets.

Stage One of the wind farm is currently designed to feature 122 of Vestas’s V162-6.2 MW™ wind turbines from their industry-leading EnVentus™ platform.

TagEnergy CEO Franck Woitiez said TagEnergy is rapidly growing its pipeline of projects across multiple international markets. “We are delighted to partner with WestWind to deliver what will be a landmark clean energy project for Victoria and Australia at a scale never seen before in the Southern Hemisphere.”

WestWind Energy Managing Director Tobias Geiger said “We are excited to continue our work with the local community, TagEnergy and Vestas to deliver this exciting project. With an installed capacity of more than 1,300MW, the Golden Plains Wind Farm’s 215 turbines will be capable of producing more than 4,500 GWh of energy annually, approximately 8% of Victoria’s energy demand.”

Office 4 Nexus Centre, 17 Goode Street GISBORNE VIC 3437 (03) 5421 9999 info@goldenplainswindfarm.com.au

Friday 4 March, 6pm at Rokewood Hotel We invite the community to join us at the Rokewood Hotel to enjoy food and drink and to meet the Golden Plains Wind Farm Project Team. Complimentary food and beer/wine/soft drink (two per person) will be provided, and members of our team will be on hand to discuss the Project. For catering purposes, please RSVP to info@goldenplainswindfarm.com.au by Wednesday 2 March.

POP-UP OFFICE IN ROKEWOOD With the easing of COVID-restrictions, we are pleased to be returning to our monthly Pop-up Office at the Rokewood Hall. Our upcoming dates are: Friday 4 March, 10:00am – 4:00pm Friday 8 April, 10:00am – 4:00pm Friday 6 May, 10:00am – 4:00pm Our Engagement Manager will be on hand to chat about the Project, answer your questions and take your feedback.

www.goldenplainswindfarm.com.au @goldenplainswindfarm

ON-SITE ACTIVITIES Soil Electrical Resistivity Surveys In mid-January, Consolidated Power Projects completed the soil electrical resistivity surveys across 50 turbine locations on the eastern end of the project. The works involved a 100-200m earth lead, and the testing will provide vital information for the design of each turbine’s earthing grid.

ROKEWOOD COMMUNITY WAS IN A FESTIVE SPIRIT FOR THE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Topographic surveys To aid the development of the civil balance of plant design (including drainage and access tracks), the team have begun topographic surveys along access tracks on the eastern end of the project. You may have seen some tripods on the roadside, these triangulate the GPS to measure the evaluation of the ground.

Thermal Resistivity Testing The team will be undertaking thermal resistivity testing across various locations of underground cables. The testing involves excavating a trench (0.45 m wide and 3.00 m long, at a depth of 1.2 to 1.4 m) to measure the thermal properties of the soil. The testing enables the cabling system to be designed to reduce potential inefficiencies in transmitting electricity (i.e., the cable dissipating heat).

Geotechnical Works In mid-February, the team plans to conduct further geotechnical studies across the site, involving the installation of groundwater wells and the gathering of site-specific geotechnical data. The works will be similar to previous works - with cored holes to 20m, groundwater monitoring logger installed and 1m of PCV pipe protruding from the surface.

Office 4 Nexus Centre, 17 Goode Street GISBORNE VIC 3437 (03) 5421 9999 info@goldenplainswindfarm.com.au

Santa came to visit Rokewood on Sunday, December 5th with over 100 locals attending the inaugural Christmas Party. The Golden Plains Wind Farm teamed up with the Rokewood CFA to provide live music, games, a jumping castle, Christmas gift bags and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus – who made a spectacular arrival on Dave Rankin’s stand-out orange pick-up truck!

The highlight was undoubtedly the Scavenger Hunt, which saw the children spread out across all corners of the Rokewood Recreation Reserve solving clues and having fun.

If you came along and your child had a photo with Santa Claus, but are yet to receive a link to download your photos, please contact us at info@goldenplainswindfarm.com.au and we will send you a link.

We would like to thank Peter Clifton, Carolyn Rankin and the Rokewood CFA team for their contribution to this event. Also, a big thank you to the Rokewood Recreation Reserve Committee for allowing us to host the event at their facilities. www.goldenplainswindfarm.com.au @goldenplainswindfarm

Easter Party Golden Plains Wind Farm Management is partnering with the Rokewood CFA to host a free Community Easter Party on Sunday 10 April from 10:00am – 1:00pm.

We would love to have you join us at the Rokewood Recreation Reserve for Easter activities.

There will be outdoor games, kids craft, coffee, popcorn, fairy floss and a special visit from the Easter Bunny!

What's Happening...

11:00am- Easter Bonnet Parade 11:30am- BBQ 12:00pm- Easter Egg Hunt

To ensure this is a Covid Safe event, you will need to register online at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ rokewood-easter-party-tickets259898010947 Proof of vaccination will be required on the day.

Office 4 Nexus Centre, 17 Goode Street GISBORNE VIC 3437 (03) 5421 9999 info@goldenplainswindfarm.com.au

www.goldenplainswindfarm.com.au @goldenplainswindfarm

RENEWABLES TO SUPPLY 69 PCT OF AUSTRALIA’S MAIN GRID BY 2030, GOVERNMENT PROJECTIONS SHOW

By Michael Mazengarb

Australia’s main electricity grid is predicted to surpass 50 per cent renewables by 2025 and will surge to 69 per cent renewables by 2030, updated projections published by the Morrison government say.

The staggering forecast, produced by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, as part of an update to Australia’s emissions projections, show wind and solar emerging as Australia’s dominant sources of electricity within the next few years On a state-by-state basis, by 2030, New South Wales is forecast to reach 84 per cent renewables – a dramatic transformation given that it is currently the state most dependent on coal. Victoria is predicted to reach 61 per cent, and Queensland’s to reach 43 per cent, short of the state’s 50 per cent target.

South Australia will source almost all of its electricity – 96 per cent – from renewables, while in 2030 Tasmania will continue to be 100 per cent renewably powered.

Western Australia, which operates on its own grid, is also expected to reach 45 per cent renewables in 2030.

To support this increased use of wind and solar, an additional 4GW of pumped hydro energy storage capacity is expected to be added to the grid by 2030, along with 8GW of battery storage.

The updated projections clearly spell out a significantly diminished role for coal in

Office 4 Nexus Centre, 17 Goode Street GISBORNE VIC 3437 (03) 5421 9999 info@goldenplainswindfarm.com.au

Australia’s electricity system, which currently supplies around two-thirds of Australia’s electricity and will see its market share cut by more than half over the course of the next decade. This is primarily driven by the expected surge in uptake of renewables and virtually no change in overall electricity demand.

It should be noted the vast majority of the increased uptake of renewable energy and energy storage technologies will be driven by state and territory government policies, including commitments to establish dedicated renewable energy zones.

The 2021 projections are the first to show that Australia is on track to meet its current 2030 emissions target under the Paris Agreement, without a reliance on surplus credits from the Kyoto Protocol.

“Under a baseline scenario, Australia is projected to achieve a 30% reduction on 2005 levels by 2030, in both Paris budget accounting terms and as a point-in-time reduction on 2005 levels,” the projections say.

“Under a Technology Investment Roadmapaligned scenario, Australia could overachieve on its 2030 target by 7 to 9 percentage points, achieving a 35% reduction on 2005 levels in Paris budget accounting terms or a 38% pointin-time reduction on 2005 levels.”

This article was originally published by Renew Economy.

Michael Mazengarb is a journalist with RenewEconomy, based in Sydney. Before joining RenewEconomy, Michael worked in the renewable energy sector for more than a decade.

www.goldenplainswindfarm.com.au @goldenplainswindfarm