First sod turned for $200 million Barunga Wind Farm

Yorke Peninsula Country Times - Kadina
Tuesday 17/4/2007 Page: 3

Four years after the process began, the first sod has turned for TrustPower's $200 million, 42 turbine wind farm on the Barunga Ranges - perhaps the last such construction in Australia for some time.

Located west of Snowtown, the development is Stage One of what eventually could be a 130 turbine wind farm for the New Zealand based company that now owns (original proponent) Wind Prospect's interest. The two companies had combined forces to go through the planning and approval process. Since planning started, however, wind farm investment has been stymied by the Federal Government's failure to raise the MRET (Mandatory Renewable Energy Target) and complicated by new technical requirements for ESCOSA ' (Essential Services Commission of SA).

Chief Executive of TrustPower, Keith Tempest, says "it has been frustrating at times" during those four years. "I suspect this could be the last wind farm constructed under the MRET in Australia," he said. "There are some state-based schemes coming on board, but there is nothing as at today to make us build again - it is just not financially viable. If the Federal Government came up with a new renewable scheme it would inject confidence to invest in the industry. "However, we have a long term view and commitment. It has always been about community and environment.

We estimate the project could bring $1 million into the community and create 170 jobs during peak construction times, with four full-time employees at completion." The turbines, to be built by Suzlon Energy Australia - a new entity in Australia - at Hallett (just north of Burra), will be able to generate 2.1 MW each, providing a capacity of 88 megawatts or enough to power 60,000 homes. Stage One should be fully commissioned by around this time next year.

If the entire project goes ahead, landowner, Sally Michael, will have 12 turbines on her property at the southernmost point of the wind farm. "We are thrilled. It's income that doesn't rely on rain and there's always plenty of wind. It might allow our son to be a farmer if he wants - it takes the pressure off," she said.