AGL commences construction at Silverton wind farm

PRESS RELEASE

AGL Energy (AGL) has commenced construction on the 200 MW Silverton Wind Farm in north western New South Wales near Broken Hill.

AGL Silverton Wind Farm Project Manager, Adam Mackett, said this was a major milestone for the project with construction starting on time and as expected.

“The level of investment and job creation with this project will result in significant flow-on benefits to Silverton and the wider regional economy.

“Construction of the $450 million wind farm involves the creation of up to 150 jobs at the peak of construction. Many of these jobs we hope to source from local expertise who helped to successfully deliver the Broken Hill Solar Plant.

“When operational, the wind farm will be the largest in NSW with 58 GE 3.43-130 wind turbines. It will provide approximately 780,000 MWh of renewable energy annually, which equates to the power supply for approximately 137,000 average Australian homes,” said Mr Mackett.

AGL will host the next Silverton Wind Farm Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meeting to update the community on progress and answer any questions about the project. This will take place on Thursday, 25 May, from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm at the Silverton Municipal Chambers, Silverton Road, Silverton.

“We encourage local community members to come along and hear more about the progress of the project and ask questions,” said Mr Mackett.

The Silverton Wind Farm is the first greenfield development for the Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF) and is targeted to be fully operational by the middle of 2018. It is being delivered by a joint venture consisting of GE and CATCON, who held local industry briefings earlier in the year.

The renewable energy produced from the wind farm will reduce emissions by 655,000 tonnes annually, which is the equivalent of taking 192,000 cars off the road each year.

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