Massive 1500 MW wind project gets planning approval, first in NSW in nearly three years

A massive 1500 MW wind project – the biggest in New South Wales – has received planning approval, a breakthrough for the wind industry which had not seen any approvals since early 2021.

The state government announced on Friday that the Yanco Delta wind project will be built by Virya Energy around 10kms north west of Jerilderie in the State’s South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

It will consist of 208 wind turbines – more powerful than any turbine currently in operation in Australia – with a maximum tip height of 270 metres, also likely the highest.

It will also feature an 800 MW one hour battery, although the storage could be increased, and it will be spread over eight different land holdings, helping to “drought-proof” their farms, on contrast to the nonsense spread by right wing think tanks that renewables will ruin farming land.

Yanco Delta is the first wind project approved since the 450 MW Uungala wind farm, now owned by Andrew Forrest’s Squadron Energy in early 2021, and which won a key generation tender this week.

Another project, the Hills of Gold wind farm in New England, has received department approval but has been referred to the Independent Planning Commission because it has received more than 50 objections.

The IPC in the past week has approved two new solar farm and battery storage projects, one in New England, and another in the Riverina.

The Yanco Delta wind project was strongly supported by locals, as well as local councils and government agencies. Of the seven submissions from the public, only two objected, with one concerned about fires and the risk of “blade throws.”

“This is fantastic news for NSW and for the South West of the state. It means more clean energy, more jobs and local investment and we’re another step closer to achieving our Net Zero targets,” energy minister Penny Sharpe said in a statement.

“Over the next decade, three of the four remaining coal fired generators in NSW are scheduled to retire, removing around 7,400 megawatts of dispatchable electricity generation from the system.

“Renewable energy developments like this one in the South West Renewable Energy Zone are critical to our energy future, so we can ensure there is enough renewable energy to replace aging coal-fired power stations.”

Planning minister Paul Scully, whose department has faced criticism over its approach to wind and solar farm approvals, said local residents and stakeholders have played a vital role in the work to get the project over the line,