March 23, 2012
Australia

AGL to develop new wind farm near Broken Hill

Julian Swallow, AdelaideNow, www.adelaidenow.com.au 23 March 2012

AGL Energy has acquired development rights for the Silverton Wind Farm near Broken Hill, paving the way for the construction of a 300 MW facility.

The Sydney-based company, which is the country’s largest retail energy provider, gained the rights to the site through the acquisition of Silverton Wind Farm Holdings.

Silverton Wind Farm has development approval for 282 wind turbines in Stage 1 and concept approval for a further 316 turbines.

AGL said the site – the company’s first wind farm development opportunity in New South Wales – had a “high quality” wind resource, with wind speeds of about eight metres a second.

Subject to market conditions, the company plans to develop a 300 MW capacity facility in Stage 1, costing approximately $750 million, with construction to begin next year.

Further development of the site could bring capacity to 1000 MW.

AGL business customers and power development general manager Scott Thomas said the company planned to consult with the local community about the development.

“We are looking forward to continuing the consultation process with the Silverton community and other stakeholders,” he said.

“As a first step, we will hold an information session to outline the company’s credentials and expertise in wind farm development and our broad plans for the Silverton Wind Farm.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/03/23/agl-to-develop-new-wind-farm-near-broken-hill/