Giant turbines shipped into Geelong

THE first components of the 200-metre turbines that will form the Golden Plains Wind Farm have arrived at GeelongPort.

Project stakeholders and Lara MP Ella George visited the port on Thursday last week to witness the milestone of the $2 billion project.

A total of 1,464 parts, which include 366 blades, 732 tower sections and powertrain generators and gearboxes, will arrive in 22 different shipments over the coming months.

The 756-megawatt first stage will include 122 Vestas wind turbines and will generate power within two years.

Ms George said last week she welcomed progress of the project, which would support the Victorian Government’s renewable energy transition.

“We all know how important renewable energy is going to be in powering our state and the Golden Plains Wind Farm will play a key role in meeting Victoria’s ambitious 95 per cent renewable energy target by 2035,” she said.

“I’m thrilled that the Geelong region is playing its part with local expertise leading the way in making it happen.”

GeelongPort chief executive officer Brett Winter said he was delighted the port could play a role in the important delivery.

“It is a complex operation to move these massive wind turbine components safely and efficiently, and GeelongPort has the unique infrastructure, expertise and location to handle a project of this magnitude,” he said.

TagEnergy managing partner Australia Andrew Riggs said his company was excited to start erecting the turbines in coming months and exporting electricity by 2025.

Vestas senior director Johan Myburgh said his company was “very proud to drive the success of this landmark project through our world-leading wind turbines and sustainable energy solutions”.

GeelongPort will store the blades at Lascelles Wharf before they are transported to the construction site next month.

The first stage of Golden Plains Wind Farm will generate enough clean energy to power around 450,000 homes and prevent more than 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions yearly.