Wind energy for Victoria

Origin Energy and Acciona Energy have announced a long-term power purchase
agreement that will see Origin play a key role in the commercialisation of Australia’s largest wind farm at Waubra in western Victoria.

The Waubra Wind Farm is owned and being built by Acciona Energy. It is designed to generate 192 MW — enough green energy to provide for 143,000 households each year.

Under the agreement, Origin will be supplied with renewable energy and Renewable Energy Certificates to support its mandatory obligations under the government’s Renewable Energy Target.

Acciona Energy, Oceania managing director Brett Thomas said the Waubra Wind Farm, 35 km north-west of Ballarat, would generate more than enough green energy to power the city of Ballarat and avoid up to 635,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

“In delivering green energy, Victoria is directly benefiting from regional development and job creation because Acciona Energy is committed to using local construction and manufacturing skills and sourcing local materials,” Brett added.

Construction of the Waubra Wind Farm is currently underway, with plans to complete the installation of the 128 Acciona Windpower 1.5 MW wind turbines by the end of this year and commissioning expected mid-2009.