Wind Prospect is undertaking environmental and planning approvals for the development of a wind farm with up to 83 wind turbines near Whyte Yarcowie, within the Regional Council of Goyder local government area. The site is east, southeast and south of Whyte Yarcowie, north of Hallett and south of Terowie. The proposed project will be known as the Whyte Yarcowie Wind Farm.
The project site has been chosen due to its high wind resource and location near existing transmission infrastructure.
Wind Prospect has been undertaking wind monitoring at the site since 2012. In November 2022, two 130m tall temporary monitoring masts were installed on the project site. The wind data received from the masts is being used to inform the development of the project design
The design, construction, operation and eventual decommissioning activities can then undergo various environmental and social impact assessments to inform the development application for the wind farm.
KEY FACTS
Number of turbines:
Up to 83
Turbine height:
Up to 250 m
Proposal location:
East and South East of Whyte Yarcowie.
Site size:
9,944 hectares
Local government:
Regional Council of Goyder
Project status:
Environmental and Planning Approvals Stage
Construction period:
Two to three years
Introducing EDF Renewables
Wind Prospect has partnered with EDF Renewables Australia (EDF-R) to support the delivery of the Whyte Yarcowie Wind Farm. EDF-R is the Australian arm of one of the world’s largest power companies, and one of the largest renewable energy producers.
EDF-R has an interest in the project and is supporting Wind Prospect to progress the project to the next stages of development, with a view to acquiring the project.
EDF-R works across the entire lifecycle of renewable energy infrastructure, from planning through to development, financing, construction and long-term operation and maintenance. They are committed to helping Australia meet its renewable energy goals and are looking forward to contributing to Wind Prospect’s good work engaging with the community using our shared principles of openness, inclusiveness, responsiveness and accountability.
The Whyte Yarcowie Wind Farm Project aligns with EDF-R’s global strategy of accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral economy and should EDF-R acquire the project, it would be a significant addition to their Australian portfolio.
EDF-R are also developing their own projects across Australia, with project in Queensland and NSW.
More information about EDF Renewables Australia can be found via their site: www.edf-re.com.au
Current status
In December 2024 the Whyte Yarcowie Wind Farm hit a project milestone, submitting documents for the project’s Renewable Energy Infrastructure Licence (REIL) application to the Minister for Energy and Mining, under the Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act 2023 (HRE Act).
This application is the culmination of 5 years of environmental studies and has been prepared to provide government agencies with information about the project, its impacts and benefits, and provides them with the information on which to make their assessment on whether or not to grant the project a REIL to develop and operate a wind farm at Whyte Yarcowie.
The application documents include an Environmental Impact Report and a Statement of Environmental Objectives. These documents cover a wide range of topics and explore the existing conditions of the project area, the activities involved in constructing and operating the proposed wind farm, understanding the impacts of the project and establishing performance metrics for the successful operation of the wind farm. As part of the assessment of the REIL application, the project’s application is expected to be placed on public exhibition in late April to early June, inviting comments from community and other stakeholders about the proposal.
The Minister will then consider all relevant information –including the environmental impact report, public submissions, Wind Prospect’s response to submissions, before making a decision on whether to grant the Project a Licence to operate.
Proposed project site
The proposed project area is located east of the Barrier Highway, north of Hallett and south of Terowie.
Project stages
Developing a wind farm is a long, complicated, and time-consuming process. It takes several years and a lot of work to understand the potential social, economic and environmental impacts and benefits of a proposed project. This work is guided by a rigorous approvals process and considerable amounts of consultation.
Wind Prospect is currently in the consultation phase of the environmental and planning approvals process and will continue to engage closely with the local community.
- Initial planning and environment studies are undertaken and the new monitoring masts are installed. The proposed wind farm design is optimised.
- Community engagement commences.
- Renewable Energy Infrastructure Licence (REIL) application has been submitted
- Community engagement continues
- Obtain pre-construction approvals, complete detailed design and finalise project financing.
- Community engagement continues.
- Civil and electrical works, followed by installation and commissioning of wind turbines.
- Community engagement continues.
- Infrastructure removed and land returned to previous state. Community engagement will continue.
Why here?
In addition to a strong wind resource, an ideal wind farm site is close to transmission infrastructure and in a location where potential impacts to areas of ecological, landscape or heritage sensitivity can be either avoided or minimised and managed. It is also important that the site is appropriately zoned, has a relatively low density of dwellings in the area, and contains an open and unobstructed landscape with good road access. The assessments undertaken to date indicate that the Whyte Yarcowie area meets these criteria. Located close to supporting transmission infrastructure with an excellent wind resource, the proposed location is very well suited to a wind farm development.
Economic benefits
This project will conduct a local procurement program to ensure that significant project resources will be spent in the region, including wages, contracts and other services. There will also be benefits to local and regional businesses and service providers, including the hospitality and accommodation sectors, through the provision of services to the construction workforce.
Economic stimulus in the region will be distributed via financial returns to the host landowners, neighbour benefit program payments and local wages.
Environmental benefits
The project will contribute significantly to the transition of the electricity grid away from fossil fuels, reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses produced by our electricity sector. The project will contribute to the South Australian Government’s Climate Change Action Plan and renewable energy target of net zero emissions by 2050. The renewable energy produced by the project will also contribute to the Regional Council of Goyder’s vision and aspiration for renewable projects in the area.
Community benefits
Wind Prospect are seeking your input on the project’s benefit sharing program and will use this feedback to develop the details for each benefit sharing initiative.