Naroghid wind farm waits on NSW

Camperdown Chronicle
Friday 12/1/2007 Page: 1

Construction of a 21 turbine wind farm at Naroghid is likely to be delayed due to the development of an interstate renewable energy scheme. Wind Farm Developments Pty Ltd received State Government approval for the project last August and planned to have works under way by the second half of 2007.

However, company manager Jonathan Upson said the project had slowed because of New South Wales government plans to introduce a renewable energy target scheme.

"They're in the process of developing that scheme now, but there is an election coming up in that state which will slow things down," he said.

The Labor Government is developing the scheme so things will obviously be a lot quicker if the Labor Government is re-elected." Mr Upson said Victoria currently had a Renewable Energy Scheme which required retailers to buy at least 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources.

"New South Wales is doing the same thing and intend on allowing generators from outside the state to qualify and sell energy back to them, which is where we come in," he said.

"There is even talk that New South Wales' renewable energy target could be higher than Victoria's 10 percent level, which could be very good news for companies like ours." Mr Upson said discussions were continuing with several potential investment partners for the Naroghid project.

Several overseas companies are being considered along with a number of Australian companies. Local contractors have also indicated a willingness to be involved, with several lodging expressions of interest via Wind Farm Developments Pty Ltd's website.

"We want to maximise the number of local contractors we use," Mr Upson said,"Earthworks will be a major component with tracks to be built, foundations to be dug and trenches for cables," he said. "We'll also need a concreter and a transport operator because there will be a lot of cartage involved in the construction stage.

"Electricians will also be needed; they will have to be certified for high voltage works." Mr Upson said the project was still aiming for a 2007 start date, but was looking less likely. "However, we are very satisfied with the way things are progressing and are still working with both State Government and the local council to move things along." The proposed wind farm will located 2.5km from Lake Sullen and 4km from Cobden.

The $80 million 42-megawatt project will have the capacity to power nearly 25,000 homes each year.