Acciona supports Australian manufacturing as Mt Gellibrand transformer deliveries begin

PRESS RELEASE

• Imminent delivery of critical components for Mt Gellibrand wind farm
• $7 million contract for Victorian manufacturer Wilson Transformer Company

Acciona Energy is about to take delivery of critical components for its 132 MW under-construction wind farm at Mt Gellibrand in Victoria – supporting local manufacturing and helping sustain jobs.

Earlier this year, the company contracted Victorian-based Wilson Transformer Company to provide two main power transformers and 44 kiosk transformers under a $7 million deal.

Deliveries to the site will begin in the next few days following a 25-week manufacturing process. The two main transformers will arrive first, followed by a staggered delivery of the kiosks over the next few months. The transformers are vital links in connecting the wind farm’s turbines to the grid.

“Wilson Transformer Company has an excellent reputation as a Victorian manufacturer with high quality products,” said Brett Wickham, ACCIONA Energy’s Managing Director in Australia. “This was a tough competition with international companies very interested too, but Wilson Transformer Company delivered a great offer backed by strong local commitment”.

“We are firm believers in maximising our engagement with local industry wherever we can. Companies like Wilson Transformer Company show that increasing numbers of businesses see long-term sustainable growth opportunities in the renewable energy sector, and that should be encouraged as the industry expands.”

Ed Wilson, Wilson Transformer Company’s Managing Director, said: “We are very pleased to enhance our relationship with ACCIONA through this contract, and are proud of our growing role in the renewable sector. Local manufacturing such as this is vital for our economy, and we have a highly-skilled team that our customers can rely on to deliver reliable products that stand the test of time.”

The Mt Gellibrand wind farm is 25 km east of Colac and 17km west of Winchelsea. The $258 million project is bringing significant economic activity and benefits to the region, with over 100 construction jobs and approximately 10 ongoing full-time equivalent positions on site.

Established in 1933, Wilson Transformer Company is a leading specialist in the delivery of transformer solutions. From their manufacturing base in Australia, they deliver solutions to a wide variety of industries and customers around the world. These include electricity generators, transmission and distribution organisations, heavy and light industrial users, as well as mining, oil and gas businesses.

For more information, contact:       JULIAN ELLIOTT 

julian.elliott@acciona.com

0410 631 412