Wind farm capable of abating 12.5 million tonnes of carbon approved for WA

Pacific Hydro has been successful in gaining a permit for the Nilgen Wind Farm, located approximately 2 hours north of Perth and 10km east of Lancelin in the Gingin Shire, Western Australia.

The permit allows for a project of up to 104 megawatts (MW) which could produce the equivalent power needs of approximately 53,000 homes and abate around half a million tonnes of carbon emissions annually or 12.5 million tonnes over the project's 25 year life.   

General Manager for Australia/Pacific , Mr Lane Crockett, welcomed the Council's announcement saying this was a great result following extensive studies at the site and thorough community consultation.

"The Nilgen wind farm site is a fantastic location for a wind farm with an excellent wind resource and very strong community support", said Mr Crockett.

"The project will abate significant carbon emissions; deliver local economic and social benefits in addition to energy generation."

Pacific Hydro proposed the Nilgen wind farm a number of years ago but  it wasn't until the federal Government committed to implement the 20% Renewable Energy Target (RET) in 2007 that the project gained momentum.

"The community has been very enthusiastic about the project since the very beginning and we know they are keen to see the project begin construction", added Mr Crockett. 

But Pacific Hydro warned it was unable to commit to a timeline for construction as the project is contingent on the upgrade to the 330kv line.

"We are confident of the WA state government's commitment to upgrade the line which would not only support this wind farm but a broad range of economic activities in the state", said Mr Crockett.

Also essential to the project is the rectification of issues within the RET legislation which are depressing the price of Renewable Energy Certificates and stalling new renewable energy projects.

"The Federal Government has taken our concerns about the RET market seriously and we look forward to the outcomes of the COAG review in December", added Mr Crockett.

Media enquiries to Emily Wood on 0421 042 121.