Green light for wind farm stage two

Horsham district is primed for much-needed economic stimulus with confirmation that work on a second stage of a multi-million-dollar Murra Warra Wind Farm will get underway this month.

A consortium leading the development north of Horsham has shored up investment details surrounding the $180-million project, which involves a further 38 turbines.

On project completion, the Murra Warra landscape will feature 99 giant turbines that represent one of the largest renewable-energy-generating farms in the Southern Hemisphere.

The first stage of the farm, Murra Warra I, already has 61 operational turbines.

Foundation works based on an expectation the second stage would proceed as planned means the project is ‘shovel ready’.

The project will generate 400 full-time-equivalent jobs during a two-year construction period and ongoing employment opportunities during an operational lifetime.

Project leaders estimate the first stage of the farm generated $4.4-million in general spending on accommodation and goods and services for the regional economy.

They anticipate the project’s second-stage construction to have a similar impact.

They also expect a community fund provided by the combined projects to inject an additional $4-million in investment into district projects during the lifetime of the farm.

Global investment manager Partners Group, on behalf of its clients, acquired the second stage of the farm, Murra Warra II, from the consortium which includes renewable energy company RES and Macquarie’s Green Investment Group, GIG.

Partners Group acquired Murra Warra I in 2018.

RES will provide construction and operational asset-management services under a long-term agreement.

RES and GIG arranged a long-term power purchase agreement for Murra Warra II with utility company Snowy Hydro through its Renewable Energy Procurement Program.

General Electric will provide the 38 5.5-megawatt turbines, which will have a combined output of 209MW.

Project construction will occur under contract with General Electric International

and its subcontractor, Zenviron. When completed the 38 turbines will generate enough energy to power 150,000 Australian households and offset more than 468,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

RES Australia chief executive Matt Rebbeck said RES was proud to have developed ‘another world-class project’.

“It aligns with our vision of creating a future where everyone has access to affordable zero-carbon energy,” he said.

“We are delighted to be able to continue our long-term involvement with the Murra Warra II wind farm and the local community through our construction management and asset-management services.

“With over six gigawatts of operational projects under management globally, and a portfolio approaching one gigawatt in Australia, we look forward to working with Partners Group to optimise the project’s construction and operational performance.”

Macquarie’s Green Investment Group, ANZ, executive director Lachlan Creswell added he was also proud the project had reached a sale and construction phase following his group’s role in arranging equity, debt and the power purchase agreement.

“The complementary partnership between GIG and RES has led to the successful development of a significant and sustainable renewable energy project for Victoria. The completion of stage one of the Murra Warra Wind Farm, and the development to construction of Murra Warra II marks a significant milestone for Australia’s renewable energy future,” he said.