Granville Harbour takes flight

The Granville Harbour wind farm will contribute towards plans to double Tasmania’s renewable energy capacity and make it the Battery of the Nation.

Hydro Tasmania today welcomed the official start of construction on the 112 megawatt wind farm on Tasmania’s west coast.

In September last year, Hydro Tasmania finalised a Power Purchase Agreement with Westcoast Wind to buy electricity from the new facility.

The Acting CEO of Hydro Tasmania, Gerard Flack, said the business will buy about 360 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy and renewable energy certificates per year from the new wind farm.

“The birth of Granville is another sign that Tasmania’s national energy revolution is really taking off,” Mr Flack said.

“We’re delighted to be supporting the Granville Harbour wind farm, and helping to make it happen,” he said.

Tasmania currently has about 300 megawatts of on-island wind power capacity, providing almost 10 per cent of Tasmania’s electricity. The Battery of the Nation initiative, including plans for more interconnection, will open the door for up to 3000 megawatts of Tasmanian wind power.

“Tasmania has huge natural advantages – including an existing hydropower system, exceptional wind resources, elite expertise, and the head-start we’re already taking,” Mr Flack said.

“Pumped hydro energy storage supports and complements wind development. Our work to identify Tasmania’s best possible pumped hydro sites under Battery of the Nation is progressing well.

“We’re pleased that the Tasmanian and Federal Governments have committed to pursuing the next stage of a business case for a second Bass Strait interconnector,” he said.

The Granville Harbour wind farm will have 31 turbines and connect to the network at Reece Power Station.