Alternate energy sources rise from the valley

By Jessica Howard

The majestic and mammoth wind turbines protrude out of the Yaloak valley, like the sun rising each morning; and they are not hard to miss if driving along the Ballan/Geelong road, southeast of Fiskville.

Construction is well and truly underway at the site of Yaloak South’s new wind farm.

Moorabool’s first utility-scale wind turbine was assembled and in the air in late October.

Pacific Hydro’s Senior Project Leader, Adam Chandler said the project, comprising of 14 wind turbine generators, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018.
“Despite the project only having 14 turbines, managing the build and ensuring safety requires a great amount of coordination,” he said.

“From delivery of components, to crane lifting works, commissioning of the electrical systems, and construction of the power transmission equipment, our tireless project team have successfully steered the many parts of construction, keeping it on track and minimising the impacts on our neighbours and the community – all on a farm still active with cropping and livestock”.

Civil and earthmoving works were completed earlier this year, including concrete foundations weighing over 700 tonnes each.

Mr Chandler said all products used in the works were sourced locally.

A large crane used to assemble the turbines was transported by 27 trucks straight from another wind farm project in Western Victoria.

Mr Chandler said the 750 tonne machine is assembled next to each turbine and once completed, is dismantled and moved to the next turbine.

“Oversize components are being delivered with escort vehicles and out of peak hours wherever possible”, he said.

“We aim to keep within our standard hours of construction (7am-6pm Mondays to Fridays, and 7am to 1pm on Saturdays) wherever possible. However, due to weather conditions and technical considerations some out of hours’ work may need to occur, including crane lifting and turbine assembly works.

“We make every effort to provide advance notice to our project neighbours and the public”.

Mr Chandler said the project team is working to have all of the turbines assembled, installed and commissioned by early next year.
Further project advancements include the delivery of the last tower sections from South Australia and the assemble of a further 10 wind turbines in addition to the four currently completed.

Regular project updates are available through www.pacifichydro.com.au.
For enquiries or feedback, contact 1800 730 734 or [email protected].