Lincoln Gap Wind Farm’s $500m Stage 3 to create jobs windfall in Spencer Gulf region
The $500 million third stage of the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm will see another 42 turbines popping up in the Upper Spencer Gulf region, creating work for people during construction along with permanent roles.
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Plans for a $500 million third stage of the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm would bring another 42 turbines to the Upper Spencer Gulf region, creating up to 140 construction jobs.
Nexif Energy is leading the project – the next phase of the wind farm 15km southwest of Port Augusta, which includes 59 180m tall turbines already approved in its first two stages.
The State Commission Assessment Panel has released plans for public consultation, showing developers are considering three turbine models for Stage 3, reaching between 185m and 206m tall.
The project would generate about 960GWh of clean energy per year, which is enough to power 155,000 homes and would save 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Lincoln Gap Wind Farm Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Nexif Energy, says it would also contribute to the reliability and stability of the state’s energy supply.
About 120-140 people would find work installing the turbines and other infrastructure over about two years, and once it is complete, 12 permanent staff would be needed to operate the site.
The land, on either side of the Eyre Highway, is used for farming and animals will continue to graze there while it is used as a wind farm.
Charles Rattray, Nexif Energy’s managing director of Australian operations said the project’s first stage was complete and undergoing a testing and commissioning process.
Work on the second stage is due to begin in September and be complete by the end of next year. Collectively, those two stages will cost $500 million, with the latest stage doubling the overall project’s price tag.
Mr Rattray said if Stage 3 was approved, the company would seek to sign a power purchase agreement before sourcing financial backers for the work.
Construction would begin in September 2022, with the potential for further developments stages after that.
Port Augusta Mayor Brett Benbow said it was “great to see further renewable expansion in the region”, along with the opportunity for local companies and residents to win work on the project.
The Upper Spencer Gulf has become a centre of renewable energy technology over recent times.
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In the past three years, 10 major renewable energy projects have been approved in the area, including DP Energy’s Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park, featuring solar and wind components, and SIMEC Energy’s Cultana Solar Farm in Whyalla.
Plans show all turbines in Nexif Energy’s latest project will be more than 2km from homes, and noise, shadow flicker and electromagnetic interference are in keeping with guidelines.
Public consultation on the plans is open until Friday.