Plans to build a wind farm at Baynton are one step closer to realisation following formal agreement between Windlab Systems and Stanwell Corporation to jointly pursue the proposed development.

Windlab Systems and Stanwell signed a memorandum of understanding confirming their mutual interest and responsibilities to progress the proposal to develop one of Australia’s largest wind energy projects.

Windlab Systems Chief Executive, Mike Vallender, said the companies confirmed the agreement based on promising results from wind monitoring in the region.

“We believe that Baynton is one of the best places in Australia to build a wind farm.

“As part of our joint feasibility study we installed an 80 metre monitoring tower earlier this year and have been very impressed with the results. We have also spoken to the local community about our proposal,” Mr Vallender said.

“The proposed development would represent an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars for the Victorian and the Australian economy and represents an estimated potential installed capacity of more than 200 Megawatts.”

Mr Vallender said Windlab Systems had many reasons for selecting to partner with Stanwell.

“Stanwell have a proven track record in developing wind projects, they have a strong industry reputation, and they have an open and honest approach to talking with communities."

“We will continue to work in good faith with land owners to make sure this proposal delivers benefits for local people,” he said.

To raise local awareness and provide first hand experience of an operational wind farm, Baynton landowners were invited to a site inspection of Stanwell’s Toora Wind Farm in April this year.

“Windlab Systems and Stanwell are mutually committed to delivering smart outcomes. These outcomes will be achieved based on the support of the Baynton community,” Mr Vallender said.

Stanwell wind projects development manager, Mark Sinclair, said Stanwell had no hesitation in signing the agreement with Windlab Systems.

“Windlab Systems is one of Australia’s leading specialist in this field, providing highly accurate wind resource assessment technology to help identify commercially viable wind farm locations anywhere in the world.

“Windlab Systems and Stanwell share a strategic alignment in our vision to advance renewable energy solutions for Australia’s future,” he said.

The proposed site is located 70 kilometres north of Melbourne at Baynton.

Windlab Systems is a private company established by former CSIRO Wind Energy Research Unit staff and scientists. The company has several projects in the pipeline, with this the first to progress to full feasibility.

About Stanwell
Stanwell Corporation Limited (Stanwell) is a progressive national energy company with a portfolio comprising coal, hydro, wind, and biomass power generation. A Queensland Government-owned corporation, Stanwell is one of a few electricity generators in Australia with a dedicated renewable energy portfolio. Stanwell leads the industry in providing environmentally responsible, low cost, reliable electricity to consumers.