WestWind is commencing development of a transmission solution that will unlock the region’s significant renewable energy potential and transmit the electricity from renewable energy projects to the national electricity grid at Bulgana, boosting the Wimmera’s economy and supplying up to 20 per cent of Victoria’s future energy needs.
The Wimmera Renewable Energy Solutions (WiRES) project is a ca. 100 km transmission line that proposes twin monopole lines, that are 20-40 metres lower than the lattice towers proposed for the 500 kV interconnector from Victoria to NSW. Using monopoles will minimise the impact on landholders’ farming operations and reduce visual impacts. The project will also include one of Australia’s largest batteries.
WiRES includes a Regional Benefits Scheme of $750,000 per year – to be overseen by a community advisory group – and an innovative Neighbour Benefit Scheme which will see eligible neighbours receive free electricity from renewable energy sources up to the value of a typical Victorian household’s electricity consumption.
WestWind is a renewable energy developer with 20 years’ experience in the Australian market and has a proven track record of working in collaboration with landholders and communities to develop successful projects and deliver significant local community benefits.
WestWind Energy’s Managing Director Tobi Geiger says: “Renewable energy has the potential to advance the Wimmera – establishing a new industry worth billions of dollars and creating thousands of jobs. The Wimmera’s excellent wind resource and large-scale agricultural landscape makes it an ideal location for these developments and the Wimmera can make a significant contribution towards meeting Victoria’s renewable energy targets.”
WiRES Project Director, Michael Jones, says: “We are taking a fresh approach to developing this renewable energy transmission solution. We will work closely with landholders, neighbours, and the community to identify the best route placement as well as delivering benefits back to the region. We will work hard to minimise any impacts on farming, the environment, and local views to deliver the best possible outcomes.”
The combined economic benefits will be significant for the Wimmera and the State of Victoria. WiRES has the potential to unlock as many as 3,000 direct jobs, and a further 3,000 indirect jobs during peak construction periods of the renewable energy projects in the region.
WestWind has opened a new office at 104 Scott Street, Warracknabeal, for locals to drop by and seek further information on any of the WestWind projects in development in the Wimmera.
For more information on WestWind Energy, visit www.w-wind.com.au. For more information on the WiRES project, visit www.wiresco.com.au.