About WiRES
The Wimmera region has some of the best wind resources in the country and is home to many notable renewable energy developments.
The renewable energy industry has the potential to provide significant growth and opportunity for the region.
However, poor transmission infrastructure is holding back development.
New transmission is required because renewable energy resources are located in different areas from existing fossil fuel generators.
The lower population in the Wimmera combined with its outstanding wind and solar resource and agriculture-based economy make it the ideal location for development.
WiRES is a vital response to Victoria’s growing energy demands, ageing infrastructure and commitment to clean and renewable energy.
WiRES will deliver a coordinated transmission solution for the region – connecting multiple renewable energy projects via 100km of transmission line that runs from near Warracknabeal to Bulgana.
As a result, this transmission line will unlock green power equivalent to more than 10% of Victoria’s total electricity demand – making a significant contribution to meeting Victoria’s target of 95% renewable energy generation by the year 2035.
To make this possible, WiRES will include one of the country’s largest battery energy storage solutions (BESS).
Backed by one of Australia’s leading renewable energy developers, WestWind Energy, we are taking a fresh approach to transmission delivery that truly places landholders and hosting communities at the heart of our plans.
Read more information about Renewable Energy and Transmission.
FAQs
Why the Wimmera?
The Wimmera has some of Australia’s best wind resources and many developers are looking to the region to help meet Australia’s future clean energy requirements.
While clean energy generation is a cost-effective solution, the transition is being held back by a lack of suitable transmission infrastructure.
If these resources can be unlocked, the Wimmera can build a strong renewable energy industry, which will make a positive economic contribution to the region and, at the same time, make a significant difference to addressing climate change impacts and securing a better future.
Why are new transmission solutions needed for renewable energy?
WiRES will deliver a coordinated transmission solution for the region, avoiding poorly planned connections, and enabling the connection of multiple energy generation projects along a single transmission corridor between Warracknabeal and Bulgana.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has identified that 10,000 km of new transmission will be needed to connect renewable developments and efficiently deliver renewable energy to consumers needed for Australia to meet its sustainable energy targets.
Read more information about Renewable Energy and Transmission.
What is WiRES?
Wimmera Renewable Energy Solutions, or WiRES, is a proposed 100 km overhead 330 kV electricity transmission line from near Warracknabeal to Bulgana in western Victoria.
WiRES transmission line will have the capacity to connect 2 GW of renewable energy projects to the existing Victorian transmission network, providing enough green energy to power more than 10% of all Victoria’s needs. WiRES will also include one of Australia’s largest batteries, a 1 GW installation that will provide clean energy when its needed.
How will WIRES benefit the Wimmera?
WiRES will implement an annual $750,000 Regional Benefits Scheme (subject to Victorian Government policy direction) to support the impacted communities once constructed. To maximise the outcomes of the scheme we will work with landholders, neighbours and communities along the route to guide the scheme which could include scholarships, sponsorships or grants programs identified by the community. To express an interest in joining the Community Advisory Group who will oversee the Regional Benefits Scheme email us.
How will landholders and communities be at the heart of plans?
WiRES will engage meaningfully with the communities that are impacted by the transmission line.
To do this, we will:
- continue to provide accurate and timely information
- listen to your feedback and explain how it is being considered
- hold regular drop-in sessions in hosting communities and establish local project offices
- provide multiple avenues for feedback – including public exhibitions, digital engagement, contact numbers
- provide genuine opportunities to engage and be clear on what is negotiable and non-negotiable.
Who is WestWind Energy?
Located in Gisborne, Victoria, WestWind Energy has been operating in Australia since 2004 and is recognised as one of the country’s leading wind energy developers.
With more than 2,000 megawatts of projects in operation or under construction, we are the largest wind farm developer by approved megawatts in Victoria.
We also have a pipeline of projects totalling a further 9,000 megawatts in various stages of development across Australia.
WestWind Energy is committed to being a driver of change towards a sustainable energy future for our planet. We will do this through the development of cost-effective renewable energy generation and storage solutions, refined through technical excellence, commitment to communities, and cohesive company values.