Giant turbines begin arriving for GP wind farm

THE first components of two-hundred-metre turbines that will make up the Golden Plains Wind Farm have started arriving at GeelongPort.

To mark the milestone in the project $2 billion project stakeholders were joined by Member for Lara, Ella George, at the port last week.

A total of 1464 parts, which include 366 blades, 732 tower sections, generators, and gearboxes, will arrive in 22 shipments in the coming months.

The first stage of the 756-megawatt Golden Plains Windfarm is planned to include 122 Vestas wind turbines and is expected to be generating power within two years.

Ms George said 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 CEO Brett Winter said he was delighted the port could play a role in the project.

“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’re transported to the construction site next month.

The first stage of Golden Plains Wind Farm will generate enough energy to power around 450,000 homes.