Construction of a 103-megawatt expansion to the Warradarge wind farm that will make it the biggest wind farm in Western Australia is underway near the town of Eneabba, around 300 km north of Perth.
The $400 million expansion was confirmed in January by Bright Energy Investments, a joint venture between Synergy, Cbus Super and CVC DIF, with a $30 million contribution from the WA government as part of its $5.7 billion clean energy future investment.
Synergy said on Tuesday that the 30 new turbines are now being added to Warradarge, adding to the original 180 megawatt (MW) first phase of the wind farm and taking it to a total capacity of 283 MW, once completed.
Construction work is expected to support more than 120 jobs at its peak, with the expansion due to be completed some time in 2027. The majority of the second phase wind turbines will be built among the existing wind turbines.
“Warradarge Wind Farm is recognised as one of the best performing wind assets in Australia,” said Tom Frood, general manager of Bright Energy Investments (BEI), owner of the Warradarge wind farm.
“This expansion will enhance our wind farm’s significant contribution to renewable power generation in the South West Interconnected System,” adding that BEI “will continue to work closely with the local community and stakeholders to ensure the project benefits everyone.”
Frood was joined on Tuesday on site by Amber-Jade Sanderson, state minister for energy and decarbonisation, to mark the start of construction.
“The expansion of Warradarge Wind Farm represents a significant increase and contribution to renewable power generation in WA,” said Sanderson.
“This project along with other grid-scale wind and solar farms and big batteries will enable us to exit coal by 2030 – faster than any other State. Relying on coal-fired power generation no longer makes sense – economically or environmentally.
“Warradarge Stage 2 is not just about building a bigger wind farm – it’s about building a better future for generations to come.”
