Author: PPD Team Date: 14/02/2025
WestWind Energy has signed a lease agreement with the New South Wales government for the construction of the Lake Victoria wind farm, a project set to be developed over 2-3 years, from 2029 to 2032.
The wind farm is planned to consist of up to 201 turbines, with an estimated capital expenditure of $3.8 billion. It will have an installed capacity of about 1,000 MW and an annual energy production of 3,400 GWh, enough to power up to 700,000 homes.
The project will also include up to three battery energy storage systems, totalling 1,500 MWh, to ensure a more secure and consistent power supply. Construction is expected to take 2-3 years, from 2029 to 2032, subject to planning approvals and community consultation.
The lease agreement grants WestWind Energy an initial 25-year lease with two 7-year extension options, potentially extending the lease by another 14 years.
The Lake Victoria Wind Farm will be located about 30 km north-west of Wentworth, near the Victorian border, and is listed for assessment as a State Significant Development once a development application is lodged.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of the project, emphasizing its potential to provide green energy and support well-paid regional jobs. Furthermore, the rental income from the project will be reinvested into the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, benefiting local community facilities across the state.
The Australian wind energy sector continues to expand, as seen earlier in April 2024, when Alinta Energy and JERA Nex, through its subsidiary Parkwind, agreed to jointly develop the 1 GW+ Spinifex Offshore Wind Farm in the Southern Ocean Region Declared Area in South West Victoria.