First stage of Australia’s largest wind farm powered up
The first stage of the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere has been officially switched on in Victoria’s south west.
Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced that once fully operational, the wind farm would power more than 760,000 homes.
The Golden Plains Wind Farm, located at Rokewood, is projected to be completed within three years.
Once complete, the 1.3 gigawatt wind farm will produce more than 4,000 gigawatt hours of energy annually, meeting nine per cent of the state’s current energy demand.
“The Golden Plains Wind Farm will be able to power every regional Victorian home – delivering lower bills for Victorian families,” D’Ambrosio said.
“Victoria is the clean energy investment capital of Australia, and this project is another example of how Victoria’s ambitious renewable energy policies are creating jobs and driving the renewables sector.”
The farm, located near Geelong, is expected to create about 700 jobs during construction and will generate up to 70 full time ongoing jobs.
“Golden Plains will host Australia’s largest wind farm and we welcome the jobs and renewable energy it provides for the local community and beyond,” Eureka MP Michaela Settle said.