Sydney-based Epuron proposes 80-turbine wind farm for Central Highlands
A Sydney-based renewable energy developer has revealed plans for a large wind farm in the Central Highlands. Find out how big and where it is proposed to be located.
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PLANS have been revealed for a large wind farm of up to 80 turbines in the Central Highlands.
Sydney-based renewable energy developer Epuron will hold an information session on Sunday at Steppes to introduce their proposed St Patricks Plains Wind Farm to the community.
The project is the company’s first large Tasmanian wind farm proposal after delivering 17 successful solar and wind energy developments across the nation since 2003.
The farm would produce up to 300 megawatts once operational and would be located across a number of rural properties 10km south of Miena and 30km north of Bothwell — adjacent to the main transmission corridor between Hobart and Launceston.
The ridges are currently used for forestry plantation operations.
The nearby Cattle Hill Wind Farm will contain 48 turbines when operational, Woolnorth’s Musselroe in the North East has 56, Bluff Point in the North West has 37 and Studland Bay 25. The Bob Brown-opposed Robbins Island farm could have up to 200 towers.
If it goes ahead, Epuron said the project would provide enough power to meet Tasmania’s medium-term energy needs and allow hydro power generators to ramp down and save water during windy periods.
“This will support Tasmania becoming the ‘battery of the nation’ due to its ability to easily store hydro power for times when it is most needed,” the project’s website said.
“The site is ideally located as it has strong and consistent wind speeds, a very strong powerline capacity on site, and good buffers to nearby dwellings.”
Epuron said electricity would be transmitted both north and south depending on the network’s needs.
The project’s July newsletter said Epuron had spoken to the Central Highlands Council and lodged a Notice of Intent with the Environment Protection Authority Tasmania.
The company said it also intended to make a referral for federal assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Epuron said it had already met with residents and land owners in the area, who had raised concerns over noise and the potential impact on hunting, fishing, eagles and the visual amenity of the Great Lakes gateway.
“Our aim is to be proactive, transparent and to understand, and where possible, address concerns raised by the community,” the newsletter said.
“This project has the potential to bring benefits including construction and ongoing jobs, spending in the area and, once the wind farm is operational, a community fund to support local community initiatives.”
A State Government spokesman said renewable energy was one of Tasmania’s greatest competitive advantages.
“The St Patricks Plain proposal is just one of a number of potential projects that would be unlocked by Marinus [a second Bass Strait interconnector], driving investment in Tasmania, employing local workers and supporting regional communities,” he said.
“We look forward to receiving further details and support community engagement, noting that any development would be subject to the appropriate assessments.”
Epuron was contacted for comment.
jack.paynter@news.com.au
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