Turbines underway at new windfarm

Circular Head Chronicle
Wednesday 4/10/2006, Page: 11

THE TURBINE phase of the Studland Bay wind farm at Woolnorth is underway. Erection of the 25 wind turbines began last week. It is anticipated that the project will be fully commissioned in early 2007.

Each wind turbine tower has been manufactured locally by Haywards, and is 80 metres in height. The towers are fixed to concrete footings, each consisting of 410 cubic metres of concrete and 40 tonnes of steel reinforcement. The wind generators, including the nacelle and blades, attached to the top of the towers are the latest in technology from Danish manufacturer Vestas and each is capable of producing 3 megawatts of electricity.

The Studland Bay wind farm will have a generating capacity of 75mw, enough energy to power 30,000 homes.

"When completed, Roaring 40s Woolnorth Wind Farm will not only include the largest turbines in the southern hemisphere, but it will also be the largest wind farm in Australia," said Roaring 40s managing director Mark Kelleher.

Initial construction of the Studland Bay Wind Farm was undertaken by Tasmanian company, Hazell Brothers, in a joint venture with Areva, and was successfully delivered ahead of schedule.