Bellarine wind turbine reaches the end of its life

A CONNEWARRE wind turbine has reached the end of its operational life and will be decommissioned and dismantled by Barwon Water.

After being installed in 1987 and providing renewable energy for Barwon Water, the wind turbine, located near the Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant, needs to be dismantled to ensure public safety.

Barwon Water general manager of planning, delivery and environment Seamus Butcher said it was not technically or financially viable to maintain with replacement parts no longer available.

“We know the wind turbine is a local landmark and we are engaging with community groups and neighbours to understand how we can best recognise its historical and cultural significance.”

The Connewarre wind turbine was one of the first in southern Victoria and its electricity was fed straight into the grid, producing between 60 to 80 megawatts hour annually at its peak.

Earlier this year, Barwon Water reached its target of powering its facilities with 100 per cent renewable energy, achieving this by investing about 25 megawatts of renewable electricity capacity.

The Black Rock Solar farm was one of the projects that helped to reach the target, opened in 2018 the precinct generates enough electricity to power 800 homes.

Following the decommission of the wind turbine, Barwon Water will focus on bringing other sources of renewable energy online.

It is anticipated dismantle works will begin towards the end of this year.

Community members are encouraged to share a photo or memory of the Black Rock Wind turbine.

For more information, head to yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au