The project will consist of 32 Siemens direct drive wind turbines and will provide clean energy for more than 70,000 households, generating over 400 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year, equivalent to a fifth of South Australia’s annual electricity consumption. The agreement also includes a long-term service contract.
Neoen Australia is to invest 250 million Australian dollars (approximately 166 million Euros) in the project which will make a major contribution to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government’s target of 90 percent renewable energy by 2020. The project is underpinned by a 20-year contract to supply green energy to the ACT at a fixed price of 9.2 Australian cents (6.1 Euro cents) per kilowatt hour.
“As one of the winners of our first wind auction, Hornsdale plays a critical role in helping the ACT to achieve its 90 percent renewable target” said ACT Environment Minister Simon Corbell, speaking at the signing ceremony.
Thomas Richterich, CEO Onshore at Siemens Wind Power and Renewables Division added that the Hornsdale Wind Farm combines three success factors, Neoen’s international expertise, Australia’s natural resources, and the efficiency of Siemens direct drive technology.
The project will create opportunities for employment, training and investment in both the ACT and South Australia, supporting the Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence at the Canberra Institute of Technology, and will provide benefits to the Hornsdale community for the life of the project. Construction is to begin immediately.
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