Pacific Hydro gets approval for $240m Barossa Valley wind farm

Pacific Hydro has received approval for a 42-turbine, $240 million wind farm close to Keyneton, near the Barossa Valley.

The wind farm, with an expected capacity of 100MW, will be located in the Mid Murray Council area about two hours drive from Adelaide.

“This is a very good wind energy project for South Australia that meets all planning guidelines and we are very pleased that it has received approval,” said Hydro Pacific General Manager Australia, Mr Lane Crockett.

“This approval confirms yet again that South Australia is a global clean energy leader and is living proof that the transition to a clean energy future is not only possible but highly desirable.”

While the permit is an important milestone for the Keyneton Wind Farm, the company acknowledges that there is still much work to be done before any construction can begin, around 2015, including extensive consultation with the local community and a detailed feasibility analysis.

He said any decision to go ahead with the project would be directly affected by the outcome of the scheduled review of the Renewable Energy Target in 2014.

“We especially acknowledge that some members of the local community are anxious about the potential impact that this wind farm may have on them. We recognise that it is our responsibility to create a collaborative way forward to work with the local community to understand and try and resolve their concerns.”

Planning Minister Mineral Resources Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the development had been approved subject to 26 conditions covering both the construction and operation of the wind farm and its associated infrastructure.

Although the decision will benefit the local South Australian community, only 40 per cent the capital investment will come to the state, with the remainder going overseas due to limited manufacturing capability in Australia, a company spokesperson said.