The 52.5MW Challicum Hills wind farm was Australia’s largest wind farm when completed in August 2003.
The project comprises 35 NEG Micon NM64C wind turbine generators, rated at 1.5MW each, with a maximum hub height of 68m and a maximum blade tip height of 100m.
Local benefits
Half of the A$76 million project cost was deployed in the local economy through construction, operation and maintenance. As part of the operation of the project, Pacific Blue continues to invest in local community initiatives via the Sustainable Communities Fund. The project has created significant employment, investment and tourism opportunities in the region. Since its inception, this windfarm has also contributed significantly to women’s employment in senior management and engineering positions. Challicum Hills windfarm is renowned for its innovative design that minimises impact on the environment, informing many future projects that came after it.
Climate impact:
Challicum Hills wind farm abates 140,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. Over its 25-year life, it is expected to avoid greenhouse pollution of more than 3.5 million tonnes. Re-vegetation programs are increasing native flora which will help to protect local biodiversity and improve the habitat of native wildlife.
Consumer benefits:
Located on private farming land just east of Ararat, in western Victoria, the project generates enough clean electricity to supply approximately 26,000 homes each year. By adding its supply to the grid, it puts downward pressure on energy prices across the system.
image by Changyang1230 via wikipedia