Wonthaggi Wind Farm

Grid-connected, distributed, renewable generation
Location: Wonthaggi, VIC

The site

The wind farm is located 3 km from the township of Wonthaggi. The wind farm continues the area’s long association with power generation and visitors to the new facility pass by the township’s old coal fired power station. The site enjoys very good wind speeds and averages more than 8 m/s.

Technology

The MM82 is a second generation power plant and has been optimised for use in regions of high wind speed. It offers a variable speed generator and converter system and electrical single-blade adjustment. Developed from the MD series, REpower has reinforced certain parts such as the rotor bearing, blade bearing, and rotor shaft. The use of special materials in the area of the rotor blades allows for increased loads on the rotor to be safely absorbed.

Energy purchase and supply

The plant is expected to produce 34,400 MWh of electricity per annum with power generated from the project is sold to Country Energy under a long term agreement. The generator operates intermittently and is registered as a non-scheduled market generator.

Wonthaggi is an accredited generator under the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target scheme and Green Power. The plant is connected to the SP AusNet distribution network at the Wonthaggi substation.

Environmental impact

The project is expected to save 44,194 tonnes per annum of greenhouse gas emissions, which is equivalent to removing 10,250 cars from the road.

“We need to reduce our fossil fuel generation which is polluting our environment, and wind farms are an appropriate response to our fossil fuel crisis which we will be facing in the next few years.”
The Hon. Geoff Hilton MLC, Member for Western Port Province