Ararat Wind Farm has started generating electricity.
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Five turbines are producing about 23 megawatt hours of power each day.
Construction has seen all 21.5 kilometres of transmission line and connection works to the grid via a transformer installed at Elmhurst by PowerCor Network Services.
Construction partner GE Downer has completed more than half of the 52 kilometres of internal access tracks.
“It’s been less than a year since we broke ground on this site and already 25 turbines have been erected and power is being sent back to the grid,” general manager of Ararat Wind Farm Stuart Liddell said.
“The rate at which we are meeting critical milestones is a testament to the strength of the project team.”
“In the past two months, the Ararat community has witnessed the constant procession of sizable components being transported through the town as turbine assembly intensifies.
“Ongoing community support of the project has ensured early supply of electricity from these first turbines representing another critical point in the project development and showcasing the potential of the renewables industry in Australia.”
Once complete, the Ararat Wind Farm will be a world class project that plays a key part in Australia’s renewable energy future.
The project is expected to inject more than $10-million into the local economy and currently employs more than 300 full time equivalent workers.
The project also benefits from a power purchase agreement with the Australian Capital Territory government, guaranteeing the purchase of approximately 40 per cent of the energy produced at the site, which was awarded under the ACT’s wind auction announcement in February 2015.