The NSW government has approved a wind farm in its so-called South West Renewable Energey Zone it says will power up to 700,000 homes each year.
Virya Energy’s 1500-megawatt Yanco Delta wind farm is to occupy a 33,000-hectare site in the Murrumbidgee and Edward River Local Government Areas around 10 kilometres north-west of Jerilderie.
More than two hundred wind turbines up to 270 metres tall are to spread across the land as well as an 800 megawatt battery energy storage facility and grid connection infrastructure.
The plans have sparked controversy, with some in the local community complaining of negative amenity impacts and a lack of meaningful public consultation.
But the government says public exhibition of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement met with ‘overall support’ and the Department of Planning and Environment has been ‘engaging closely’ with local councils, residents and government agencies.
Plans for 18 NSW renewable energy projects under review
Between 2.8 million and 5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions are predicted to be saved each year the windfarm power is used, figures the government says will help the state achieve its 2050 Net Zero target.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe has been quoted in a media release saying three of the four remaining coal fired generators in NSW are scheduled to retire, equating to around 7,400 megawatts of lost dispatchable electricity generation, and so renewable energy developments are critical.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully says construction of the new wind farm will involve up to 300 jobs and another 30 jobs will be available at the farm once built.
Mr Scully says there are another eighteen renewable energy projects under state assessment.
It’s unclear when the government expects the new projects, including the new wind farm, to start contributing to the state’s power grid.
Since windmill power is so cheap to make, and windmills are so reliable, this must be being funded by greedy capitalists that are always looking for ways to have a monopoly on ways to make tons of cheap reliable money. Right?
Christian, try learning yourself up as to the difference between a windmill and a wind turbine.