The McGowan Labor government has given the go-ahead for construction to begin at the 180MW Warradarge Wind Farm, near Eneabba.
The project will be funded and developed by Bright Energy Investments (BEI) – a partnership between Synergy and the private sector launched by the McGowan government in April.
Wold-renowned sustainable energy solutions company Vestas has been awarded the engineering, procurement and construction, and operations and maintenance contracts.
The Warradarge Wind Farm is recognised as one of the best renewable energy projects in Australia due to its location and abundant wind resource.
Its 51 turbines will be among the largest in Western Australia with a tip height of 152m, sporting some of the longest blades onshore at 66m.
Western Power will construct the 10km transmission line from the wind farm sub-station to the network connection point near Eneabba.
Other BEI projects include the Albany Grasmere Wind Farm and Greenough River Solar Farm near Geraldton.
“I’m delighted to announce the construction of the Warradarge Wind Farm will be going ahead and will create up to 200 jobs for Western Australians,” said Bill Johnston, energy minister.
“The wind farm will have a total output of 180MW with a 50 per cent capacity factor – the equivalent of the average annual electricity needs of 135,000 Western Australian homes.
“The McGowan government remains committed to ensuring a transition to a renewable energy future at the lowest cost possible to WA taxpayers.
“By developing renewables projects, we are demonstrating our commitment to ensuring our state meets its 2020 large-scale renewable energy target obligations.”