Collgar Wind Farm
Collgar Wind Farm is an exciting new joint venture being undertaken by Investec Bank (Australia) Limited ("Investec") and Windlab Systems Pty Ltd ("Windlab") in Western Australia.
The Collgar Wind Farm will consist of up to 127 wind turbines on a site located approximately 25km south east of Merredin in Western Australia.The Collgar site was identified by Windlab in 2006 using Windlab's WindScape technology It is expected that construction will commence in the near future.
Project details
| Location | In the Merredin Shire, approximately 25km South East of Merredin, Western Australia |
| Land type | The area is predominantly used for cropping |
| Number of turbines | Up to 127 wind turbine generators |
| Total generation capacity | up to 220MW |
| Project cost | Over $A600 m to construct |
| Low emissions contribution | 900,000 MWh of clean electricity provided to Western Australia |
Project summary
Windlab and Investec Bank (Australia) Limited (Investec), undertook an initial feasibility assessment on site to determine the suitability to accommodate a wind farm. These feasibility assessments have been based on the assessment criteria outlined below:
- Landholders supportive of developing a wind farm on their property;
- Proximity of site to sensitive visual receptors and ecological or historical environments;
- Adequate wind resources (a wind monitoring tower was erected on site in April 2007);
- Proximity to electricity network connection;
- Suitable land in terms of:
- Terrain and geology;
- Ecological conditions;
- Historic conditions;
- Land area;
- Compatible land uses;
- Planning controls; and
- Access to the site.
Following the determination of this site as a suitable location for a wind farm, Investec and Windlab engaged Bayley Environmental Services in February 2008 to undertake technical assessments (including ecological, visual, heritage etc) to assist in obtaining the relevant approvals.
Consultation with the community and relevant Government Authorities has been undertaken over the past few months including the Community Open Day held on 30th August 2008.
Planning approval was granted by the Merredin Shire Council in September 2008 and construction is expected to start shortly. It is anticipated that this development will bring immediate economic benefits to the Merredin community while providing a clean, emissions free source of electricity generation for many years to come.