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Wind power in South Australia#Wind farm overview

{{short description|South Australian use of wind turbines to generate electricity}}

{{Use Australian English|date=January 2015}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}

File:Wattle Point windmill.jpg]]

Wind power became a significant energy source within South Australia over the first two decades of the 21st century. In 2015, there was an installed capacity of 1,475 MW, which accounted for 34% of electricity production in the state.{{cite web|title=Clean Energy Australia Report 2015|url=https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/policy-advocacy/reports/clean-energy-australia-report.html|access-date=27 November 2016|archive-date=24 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224193259/https://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/policy-advocacy/reports/clean-energy-australia-report.html|url-status=live}} This accounted for 35% of Australia's installed wind power capacity. In 2021, there was an installed capacity of 2052.95 MW, which accounted for 42.1% of the electricity production in the state in 2020.{{Cite web|title=OpenNEM: South Australia|url=https://opennem.org.au/|access-date=2021-09-04|website=opennem.org.au|language=en-AU|archive-date=1 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601042617/https://opennem.org.au/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=NEM Generation Information July 2021|url=https://aemo.com.au/-/media/files/electricity/nem/planning_and_forecasting/generation_information/2021/nem-generation-information-july-2021.xlsx?la=en|access-date=4 September 2021|website=AEMO}}

The development of wind power capacity in South Australia has been encouraged by a number of factors. These include the Australian Government's Renewable Energy Target, which requires electricity retailers to source a proportion of energy from renewable sources, incentives from the South Australian Government including a supportive regulatory regime and a payroll tax rebate scheme for large scale renewable energy developments. Also, the state's proximity to the Roaring forties means there are high-quality wind resources for wind farms to exploit. In mid-2009, RenewablesSA was established by the South Australian Government to encourage further investment in renewable energy in the state.{{cite web|title=Renewable Energy: - Wind Energy in South Australia|url=http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/Water,+energy+and+environment/Energy/Renewable+energy/Wind+energy/Wind+energy+in+South+Australia|work=Wind Energy South Australia|publisher=Government of South Australia|access-date=7 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018043135/http://www.sa.gov.au/subject/Water%2C%2Benergy%2Band%2Benvironment/Energy/Renewable%2Benergy/Wind%2Benergy/Wind%2Benergy%2Bin%2BSouth%2BAustralia|archive-date=18 October 2012|url-status=dead}}

The load factor (or capacity factor) for South Australian wind farms is usually in the range of 32–38%. This means that a wind farm could typically produce between 32 and 38% of its nameplate capacity averaged over a year.

Wind farm overview

File:Lake Bonney wind farmDKC1.jpg]]

In 2003 the only large wind turbine in South Australia was a 0.15 MW unit at Coober Pedy and by early 2004 there was 34 MW of installed wind power capacity.[https://web.archive.org/web/20091027104046/http://geocities.com/daveclarkecb/Australia/WindPower.html Wind power and wind farms in South Australia]{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2022}}

As of December 2010, South Australia had thirteen operational wind farms, with an installed capacity of 1,018 MW. By August 2014 this had increased to 1,473 MW, accounting for 27 per cent of electricity production.Government of South Australia: [http://www.sa.gov.au/topics/water-energy-and-environment/energy/energy-supply-and-sources/renewable-energy-sources/wind-energy/wind-energy-in-sa "Wind energy in South Australia"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216095522/http://www.sa.gov.au/topics/water-energy-and-environment/energy/energy-supply-and-sources/renewable-energy-sources/wind-energy/wind-energy-in-sa |date=16 December 2014 }}, updated 4 August 2014, retrieved 4 November 2014 As of late 2015 there are a large range of new wind farms in various stages of planning but only one under construction, the Hornsdale Wind Farm. Hornsdale is a place that was generating 86 MW immediately prior to the 2016 South Australian blackout in September 2016.{{cite news |url=http://indaily.com.au/news/local/2016/10/05/wind-farms-contributed-to-state-wide-blackout-interim-report/ |title=Blackout report leaves renewables debate dangling in the breeze |newspaper=InDaily |first1=David |last1=Washington |first2=Bension |last2=Siebert |date=5 October 2016 |access-date=5 October 2016 |archive-date=5 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005193203/http://indaily.com.au/news/local/2016/10/05/wind-farms-contributed-to-state-wide-blackout-interim-report/ |url-status=live }}

South Australia has provided regulatory certainty for wind farms, and the government has implemented land use planning policies which represent national best practice for accommodating wind farms. On 2 June 2009, Premier Mike Rann announced plans to increase South Australia's renewable energy production target to 33% by 2020, well above the national target of 20% by 2020.Government of South Australia (8 December 2010). [http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/index.php?page=renewable-energy-in-sa Renewable Energy in South Australia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724101803/http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/index.php?page=renewable-energy-in-sa |date=24 July 2011 }}{{Update inline|date=June 2022|reason=was target met?}}

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ Operational wind farms in South Australia: July 2021

Installed
capacity (MW)		Wind farmOwner

!Stage

!Installed
capacity (MW)

Generating since...
rowspan="2" |368.7

| rowspan="2" |Snowtown wind farm

| rowspan="2" |Tilt Renewables

Palisade Investment Partners

|1

|98.7

|{{Date table sorting|2008-09}}

2

|270

|{{Date table sorting|2014-10}}

rowspan="4" |350.7

| rowspan="4" |Hallett Wind Farm

| rowspan="4" |AGL Energy

|1

|94.5

|{{Date table sorting|2007-03}}

2

|71.4

|{{Date table sorting|2009-09}}

4

|132.3

|{{Date table sorting|2010-08}}

5

|52.5

|{{Date table sorting|2011-07}}

rowspan="3" |316.8

| rowspan="3" |Hornsdale Wind Farm

| rowspan="3" |Neoen

|1

|102.4

|{{Date table sorting|2016-06}}

2

|102.4

|{{Date table sorting|2017-02}}

3

|112

|{{Date table sorting|2017-08}}

rowspan="3" |278.5

| rowspan="3" |Lake Bonney Wind Farm

| rowspan="3" |Infigen Energy

|1

|80.5

|{{Date table sorting|2005-03}}

2

|159

|{{Date table sorting|2008-04}}

3

|39

|{{Date table sorting|2009-09}}

rowspan="2" |130.8

| rowspan="2" |Waterloo Wind Farm

| rowspan="2" |Palisade Investment Partners

Northleaf Capital

|1

|111

|{{Date table sorting|2010-11}}

2

|19.8

|{{Date table sorting|2016-11}}

rowspan="2" |126

| rowspan="2" |Lincoln Gap Wind Farm

| rowspan="2" |Nexif Energy

| 1

|126

|{{Date table sorting|2019-04}}

2

|86

|

119

|Willogoleche Wind Farm

|Engie

| -

|119

|{{Date table sorting|2018-08}}

90.75Wattle Point Wind FarmAGL Energy

| -

|90.75

|{{Date table sorting|2005-04}}

70Mount Millar Wind FarmMeridian Energy

| -

|70

|{{Date table sorting|2006-02}}

66Cathedral Rocks Wind FarmEnergyAustralia/
Acciona

| -

|66

|{{Date table sorting|2005-09}}

56.7Clements Gap Wind FarmPacific Hydro

| -

|56.7

|{{Date table sorting|2010-02}}

46Canunda Wind FarmEngie/Mitsui

| -

|46

|{{Date table sorting|2005-03}}

33Starfish Hill Wind FarmRATCH-Australia

| -

|33

|{{Date table sorting|2003-09}}

Operational wind farms

{{See also|List of wind farms in South Australia}}

=Snowtown Wind Farm (369 MW)=

It is located on the Barunga Range of hills west of Snowtown in the mid-North of South Australia and around 150 km north of the state capital, Adelaide. The first stage of the Snowtown wind farm with a capacity of 98.7 MW was completed in 2008.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/11/02/2407791.htm|title=SA welcomes construction of $220m wind farm|publisher=ABC|date=2 November 2008|access-date=2 November 2008|archive-date=3 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303163253/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/11/02/2407791.htm|url-status=dead}} The 270 MW second stage was completed in November 2014.Vorrath, Sophie: [http://reneweconomy.com.au/2014/south-australias-270mw-snowtown-takes-wind-energy-to-new-highs-43971 "South Australia’s 270MW Snowtown takes wind energy to new highs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104064532/http://reneweconomy.com.au/2014/south-australias-270mw-snowtown-takes-wind-energy-to-new-highs-43971 |date=4 November 2014 }}, in RenewEconomy, 3 November 2014

=Hallett Wind Farm (350 MW)=

File:Hallett wind farm 2010.jpg Hallett Wind Farm was developed in four stages: Hallett 1 (also known as Brown Hill Wind Farm), Hallett 2 (Hallett Hill), Hallett 4 (North Brown Hill) and Hallett 5 (Bluff Range). The proposed Hallett 3 (Mt Bryan) wind farm was put on hold by AGL in 2012.{{Cite web|title = AGL scraps current Hallett wind farm proposal|url = http://www.businessspectator.com.au/news/2012/8/24/climate/agl-scraps-current-hallett-wind-farm-proposal|website = www.businessspectator.com.au|access-date = 2015-12-28|archive-date = 7 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160107210445/http://www.businessspectator.com.au/news/2012/8/24/climate/agl-scraps-current-hallett-wind-farm-proposal|url-status = live}}

Hallett 1 consists of 45 Suzlon 2.1 MW S88 turbines (95 MW in total) and was completed in June 2008. Hallett 2 consists of 34 2.1 MW Suzlon turbines (71.4 MW in total) and was completed in late 2009. Hallett 4 has 63 turbines with a total installed capacity of 132 MW, and was in full operation in early 2011. Hallett 5 consists of 25 Suzlon turbines each of 2.1 MW and was completed in early 2012.

=Hornsdale Wind Farm (315 MW)=

Hornsdale Wind Farm was built in three stages. Construction of Stage 1 began in September 2015 and was finished in September 2017. Stage 1 consists of 32 turbines each having a rated capacity of 3.2 MW (total 102.4 MW). Construction of Stage 2 began in July 2016 and was finished in June 2017. Stage 2 consists of 32 turbines each having a rated capacity of 3.2 MW (total 102.4 MW). Construction of Stage 3 began in April 2017 and was finished in December 2017. Stage 3 consists of 35 turbines each having a rated capacity of 3.2 MW (total 112 MW).

=Lake Bonney Wind Farm (278.5 MW)=

Lake Bonney Wind Farm was built in three stages. Stage 1 consists of 46 turbines each having a rated capacity of 1.75 MW (total 80.5 MW) and was finished in March 2005. Construction of Stage 2 began in November 2006 and was finished around April 2008. Stage 2 consists of 53 turbines of 3 MW (total 159 MW). Stage 3 consists of 13 turbines of 3 MW (total 39 MW). The combined capacity of the three stages is 278.5 MW making it the biggest wind farm in Australia at the time of completion.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027104439/http://geocities.com/daveclarkecb/Australia/WindSA.html |url=http://geocities.com/daveclarkecb/Australia/WindSA.html |title=Wind power and wind farms in South Australia: Wind in the Bush |archive-date=27 October 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=11 October 2010 }}{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2022}}

=Lincoln Gap (212 MW)=

Lincoln Gap Wind Farm is built on the hills above Lincoln Gap, a gap in the range where the Eyre Highway and Whyalla railway line pass through.

=Waterloo Wind Farm (131 MW)=

The Waterloo Wind Farm was built as a 111 MW wind farm which was completed in 2010 at an estimated cost of $300 million.New, Robert (November 2010). [http://adl.brs.gov.au/data/warehouse/pe_abarebrs99001759/Electricity_major_projects_nov_2010.pdf Electricity generation Major development projects - October 2010 listing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316074443/http://adl.brs.gov.au/data/warehouse/pe_abarebrs99001759/Electricity_major_projects_nov_2010.pdf|date=16 March 2011}} Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, p. 8. It had thirty-seven Vestas V90 3 MW turbines along the 18 km wind farm site connected through a 33 kilovolt (kV) internal reticulation network to the wind farm substation. The wind farm is approximately 30 kilometres south-east of the township of Clare and 100 km north of Adelaide.{{cite web|date=January–February 2011|title=Waterloo Wind Farm, a Roaring 40s success|url=http://ecogeneration.com.au/news/waterloo_wind_farm_a_roaring_40s_success/053995/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106084510/http://ecogeneration.com.au/news/waterloo_wind_farm_a_roaring_40s_success/053995/|archive-date=6 January 2016|access-date=16 January 2011|work=EcoGeneration}} A Stage 2 expansion was approved to add up to an additional 6 turbines to the existing farm and increase its total generating capacity to over 130 MW.{{Cite web|title=Waterloo Windfarm Extension Project - EnergyAustralia|url=http://www.energyaustralia.com.au/about-us/what-we-do/projects/waterloo-2|access-date=2016-03-20|website=EnergyAustralia|archive-date=10 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310144110/http://www.energyaustralia.com.au/about-us/what-we-do/projects/waterloo-2|url-status=live}} The wind farm was expanded with six additional Vestas V117 turbines at the southern end in 2016 at a cost of {{AUD|43 million}}.{{cite web|title=About Us|url=http://waterloowindfarm.com.au/our-story/|access-date=10 August 2019|publisher=Waterloo Wind Farm|archive-date=3 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603092853/http://waterloowindfarm.com.au/our-story/|url-status=live}}

=Willogoleche Wind Farm (119 MW)=

Willogoleche Wind Farm is in the Mid North of South Australia, just west of the town of Hallett.

File:Wattle Point wind farm.jpg

=Wattle Point Wind Farm (91 MW)=

Wattle Point Wind Farm is near Edithburgh on the Yorke Peninsula. When it was officially opened in June 2005 it was Australia's largest wind farm at 91 MW. The installation consists of 55 wind turbines and was built at a cost of 165 million Australian dollars.

=Mount Millar Wind Farm (70 MW)=

Mount Millar Wind Farm is situated on an escarpment between the towns of Cowell and Cleve located 100 kilometres southwest of Whyalla. The 35 wind turbines are positioned on the elongated Mount Millar site (about 7 kilometres in length) to maximise wind exposure and can generate up to 70 megawatts of electricity. Construction of this wind farm started in late 2004 and was completed in December 2005. Power production started in February 2006.

=Cathedral Rocks Wind Farm (66 MW)=

Cathedral Rocks Wind Farm is in a remote coastal area located near the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, about 30 km south west of Port Lincoln. It has 33 wind turbines capable of generating 66 MW in total. Construction started in 2004, and the first turbines were commissioned in late 2005. The wind farm was fully operational by 2007.{{Cite web|title = Renewable Energy: Cathedral Rocks Wind Farm {{!}} EnergyAustralia|url = http://www.energyaustralia.com.au/about-us/what-we-do/generation-assets/cathedral-rocks-wind-farm|website = EnergyAustralia|access-date = 2015-12-28|archive-date = 4 March 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075424/http://www.energyaustralia.com.au/about-us/what-we-do/generation-assets/cathedral-rocks-wind-farm|url-status = live}}

=Clements Gap Wind Farm (56 MW)=

File:Canunda wind farm DKC1.jpg

In February 2010, Pacific Hydro opened the 56.7 MW Clements Gap Wind Farm. The wind farm is located in South Australia's mid-north. The project has 27 x 2.1 MW Suzlon wind turbines, which generate enough electricity for 30,000 homes.[http://ecogeneration.com.au/news/another_wind_farm_for_south_australia/012443/ Clements Gap Wind Farm opened] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105213806/http://ecogeneration.com.au/news/another_wind_farm_for_south_australia/012443/ |date=5 January 2016 }} EcoGeneration, 25 February 2010.

=Canunda Wind Farm (46 MW)=

Canunda Wind Farm is a $92.5 million, 46 MW wind power project located on grazing land approximately 16 kilometres south of Millicent.Wind Prospect (undated). [http://www.windprospect.com.au/sites/canunda.html Wind: Clean, Safe, Australia's Future] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703035434/http://www.windprospect.com.au/sites/canunda.html |date=3 July 2007 }} The wind farm is made up of 23 Vestas 2.0 MW wind turbines. The project was opened in March 2005 by Wind Prospect.{{Cite web |url=http://www.windprospect.com.au/sites/canunda.html |title= Canunda| website=Wind Prospect |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703035434/http://www.windprospect.com.au/sites/canunda.html |archive-date=3 July 2007 |url-status=dead }}

File:StarfishHill.jpg in background]]

=Starfish Hill Wind Farm (33 MW)=

Starfish Hill Wind Farm is near Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It comprises 22 turbines of 1.5 MW each, with turbines on Starfish Hill on the nearby Salt Creek Hill, giving a combined generating capacity of 33 MW. Starfish Hill Wind Farm was commissioned in September 2003, making it the first major wind farm in South Australia.{{Cite web|title = RATCH - Australia Corporation|url = http://www.ratchaustralia.com/starfish/about_starfish.html|website = www.ratchaustralia.com|access-date = 2015-12-28|archive-date = 5 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160105120821/http://www.ratchaustralia.com/starfish/about_starfish.html|url-status = live}}

Wind farm proposals

{{Update section|date=June 2022}}

In addition to its operating wind farms, South Australia has several proposals for new farms at various stages of development. These include:

{{clear}}

class="wikitable sortable"
Designed capacity
(MW)		Wind farm

!Location

DeveloperDevelopment Status

!Expected operational date

180

|Barn Hill

|Will fill the gap between Snowtown and Clements Gap wind farms on the Barunga Range southwest of Redhill{{cite web |url=https://ramblingsdc.net/Australia/WindSA.html#Barn_Hill_Wind_Farm |title=Barn Hill Wind Farm (Red Hill, Mundoora) |work=Wind Power in SA |date=3 September 2013 |access-date=6 November 2019 |author=David Clarke |archive-date=24 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024173209/https://ramblingsdc.net/Australia/WindSA.html#Barn_Hill_Wind_Farm |url-status=live }}

|AGL Energy

|2009 approved, 2013 revised{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-03/council-panel-back-changes-to-barn-hill-wind-farm-plan/4931184|title=Council panel backs changes to Barn Hill wind farm plan|website=ABC News|date=2 September 2013 |language=en-AU|access-date=2016-03-20|archive-date=7 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507135439/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-09-03/council-panel-back-changes-to-barn-hill-wind-farm-plan/4931184|url-status=live}}

| AGL target investment decision Mid 2023{{cite web |url=https://www.agl.com.au/content/dam/digital/agl/documents/about-agl/media-centre/2022/220503-agl-to-partner-with-global-infrastructure-partners-to-establish-$2-billion-energy-transition-investment-partnership-etip.pdf |date=3 May 2022 |publisher=AGL Energy |title=AGL to partner with Global Infrastructure Partners to establish $2 billion Energy Transition Investment Partnership (ETIP) |access-date=9 January 2023}}

600Ceres Project

|Yorke Peninsula

Spark Renewables (acquired May 2022 from Senvion Australia)Approved 2014.
Revised plan approved August 2019{{cite news |url=https://reneweconomy.com.au/massive-south-australia-wind-farm-undersea-cable-project-wins-new-approval-62508/ |title=Massive South Australia wind farm, undersea cable project wins new approval |first=Sophie |last=Vorrath |date=27 August 2019 |access-date=28 August 2019 |archive-date=28 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828100503/https://reneweconomy.com.au/massive-south-australia-wind-farm-undersea-cable-project-wins-new-approval-62508/ |url-status=live }} New owner preparing fresh development application{{cite web |url=https://sparkrenewables.com/projects/ceres-wind-farm/ |title=Ceres Wind Farm |publisher=Spark Renewables |access-date=9 January 2023}}

|Unknown

? - 26 turbines

|Crystal Brook energy park

|Crystal Brook

|Neoen

|August 2019 approval{{cite news |url=https://www.theflindersnews.com.au/story/6313300/crystal-brook-energy-park-going-ahead/ |newspaper=The Flinders News |date=6 August 2019 |title=Approval has been given to French company Neoen to build an energy park near Crystal Brook |first=Piper |last=Denholm |access-date=10 November 2019 |archive-date=10 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110092146/https://www.theflindersnews.com.au/story/6313300/crystal-brook-energy-park-going-ahead/ |url-status=live }}

|Construction due 12 months from approval

144-250

|Exmoor

|Naracoorte

|Acciona

|Application lodged 2011,{{cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-20/wind-farm-acciona-naracoorte/2907500 |title=Wind farm planned near Naracoorte |first=Tash |last=Impey |date=20 September 2011 |work=ABC News |access-date=10 November 2019 |archive-date=30 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030175022/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-09-20/wind-farm-acciona-naracoorte/2907500 |url-status=live }} possibly lapsed by 2019

|2017{{Cite web|url=http://www.aussierenewables.com/directory/listing.php?id=146|title=Exmoor Wind Farm - Wind - POWER PLANTS|website=www.aussierenewables.com|access-date=2016-03-20|archive-date=30 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330141641/http://www.aussierenewables.com/directory/listing.php?id=146|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.industry.gov.au/Office-of-the-Chief-Economist/Publications/Documents/megp/2015-Project-list.xlsx |title=Electricity Generation Major Projects |access-date=20 March 2016 |archive-date=10 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310095026/http://www.industry.gov.au/Office-of-the-Chief-Economist/Publications/Documents/megp/2015-Project-list.xlsx |url-status=dead }}

412Goyder South Wind Farm

|Southeast of Burra

NeoenUnder construction

| 2024{{cite web |url=https://neoen.com/en/news/2022/neoen-gives-go-ahead-on-412-mw-wind-farm-first-stage-of-its-goyder-renewables-zone-in-south-australia/ |title=Neoen gives go ahead on 412 MW wind farm, first stage of its Goyder Renewables Zone in South Australia |publisher=Neoen |date=17 January 2022 |access-date=21 February 2022}}

105

| Keyneton

|Keyneton

|Pacific Hydro

| style="background:#FF8080"|2013 approved.{{Cite news|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/pacific-hydro-wins-south-australian-government-approval-for-keyneton-wind-farm-unlikely-before-2015-at-least-amid-community-opposition/story-fni6uma6-1226777111033|title=Pacific Hydro wins South Australian government approval for Keyneton wind farm, unlikely before 2015 at least, amid community opposition|last=Changerathil|first=Valerina|date=2013-12-06|newspaper=The Advertiser|access-date=2016-03-20|archive-date=18 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218084711/http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/business/pacific-hydro-wins-south-australian-government-approval-for-keyneton-wind-farm-unlikely-before-2015-at-least-amid-community-opposition/story-fni6uma6-1226777111033|url-status=live}}
2019 cancelled.{{cite news |url=https://www.barossaherald.com.au/story/6445519/keyneton-wind-farm-is-buried/?cs=1430 |newspaper=Barossa and Light Herald |title=Victory: Residents rejoice over Keyneton wind farm development pulled |first=Michelle |last=ORielly |date=22 October 2019 |access-date=25 October 2019 |archive-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924173218/https://www.barossaherald.com.au/story/6445519/keyneton-wind-farm-is-buried/?cs=1430 |url-status=live }}

|Construction was to start mid-2019{{cite web |url=http://www.pacifichydro.com.au/have-your-say-on-the-keyneton-wind-farm/ |title=Have your say on the Keyneton Wind Farm |date=14 August 2018 |access-date=30 September 2018 |publisher=Pacific Hydro |archive-date=30 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930115756/http://www.pacifichydro.com.au/have-your-say-on-the-keyneton-wind-farm/ |url-status=live }}

120

|Kongorong

|Kongorong (west of Mount Gambier)

|RATCH-Australia

| Possibly lapsed before 2019

| Not mentioned on company web site{{cite web |url=https://ratchaustralia.com/development.html |publisher=RATCH-Australia |title=Upcoming Developments |access-date=10 November 2019 |archive-date=25 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025024636/https://ratchaustralia.com/development.html |url-status=live }}

110

|Kulpara

|northwest of Port Wakefield

|RATCH-Australia

|Possibly lapsed before 2019

| Not mentioned on company web site

375

|Palmer

|Palmer, Tungkillo, Sanderston

|Tilt Renewables

|In Development, being assessed against other options{{cite web |url=https://www.tiltrenewables.com/assets-and-projects/Palmer-Wind-Farm/ |title=Palmer Wind Farm |publisher=Tilt Renewables |access-date=27 November 2019 |archive-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414234436/https://www.tiltrenewables.com/assets-and-projects/Palmer-Wind-Farm/ |url-status=live }}

|Approved 2015, appeals dismissed 2019{{cite news |url=https://reneweconomy.com.au/tilt-renewables-300mw-wind-farm-gets-all-clear-from-s-a-supreme-court-58970/ |title=Tilt Renewables 300MW wind farm gets all clear from S.A. Supreme Court |first=Sophie |last=Vorrath |date=28 November 2019 |newspaper=Renew Economy |access-date=7 November 2019 |archive-date=28 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128094049/https://reneweconomy.com.au/tilt-renewables-300mw-wind-farm-gets-all-clear-from-s-a-supreme-court-58970/ |url-status=live }}

206.5Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park

|south of Port Augusta

DP Energy and Iberdrola{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/23/shovel-ready-spanish-firm-to-put-500m-into-australian-wind-and-solar-farm |first=Ben |last=Butler |date=23 December 2019 |newspaper=The Guardian |title='Shovel ready': Spanish firm to put $500m into Australian wind and solar farm |access-date=23 December 2019 |archive-date=23 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223035503/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/dec/23/shovel-ready-spanish-firm-to-put-500m-into-australian-wind-and-solar-farm |url-status=live }}Under construction

|2022{{cite web |url=http://dpenergy.info/parep/faq |title=FAQ |work=Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park |publisher=DP Energy |access-date=23 December 2019 |archive-date=15 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115091815/http://dpenergy.info/parep/faq |url-status=live }}

14–200

|Tungketta Hill/Elliston

|Between Elliston and Sheringa{{Cite web|url=http://mmdd.dmitre.sa.gov.au/directory_mobile/view/155?_sp=5|title=SA MDD|website=mmdd.dmitre.sa.gov.au|access-date=2016-03-20|archive-date=19 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319084909/http://mmdd.dmitre.sa.gov.au/directory_mobile/view/155?_sp=5|url-status=live}}

|Ausker Energies

|Approved

|The developer's website (last updated in 2014) said construction would begin when transmission issues are resolved.{{cite web |url=https://www.auskergroup.com.au/energy.html |title=Windfarm Developments |publisher=Ausker Group of Companies |access-date=10 November 2019 |quote=We will be commencing construction after the transmission issues on the Eyre Peninsula have been resolved. |date=15 October 2014 |archive-date=29 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029173648/http://www.auskergroup.com.au/energy.html |url-status=live }}

185

|Twin Creek Wind Farm

|northeast of Kapunda

|RES Australia

|May 2019 development consent{{Cite news|url=https://reneweconomy.com.au/twin-creek-wind-farm-and-australias-biggest-battery-edge-closer-to-approval-79298/|title=Twin Creek wind farm and Australia's biggest battery edge closer to approval|last=Vorrath|first=Sophie|date=24 May 2019|work=Renew Economy|access-date=25 May 2019|archive-date=24 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524023036/https://reneweconomy.com.au/twin-creek-wind-farm-and-australias-biggest-battery-edge-closer-to-approval-79298/|url-status=live}}
October 2019 Development approval{{cite news |url=https://reneweconomy.com.au/big-wind-farm-and-even-bigger-battery-approved-for-south-australia-23638/ |title=Big wind farm and even bigger battery approved for South Australia |first=Sophie |last=Vorrath |date=25 October 2019 |access-date=25 October 2019 |newspaper=Renew Economy |archive-date=25 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025033813/https://reneweconomy.com.au/big-wind-farm-and-even-bigger-battery-approved-for-south-australia-23638/ |url-status=live }}

|{{Cite web|url=http://www.twincreek-windfarm.com/|title=Twin Creek Wind Farm|publisher=RES Australia|access-date=25 May 2019|archive-date=8 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508210608/http://www.twincreek-windfarm.com/|url-status=live}}

350

|Woakwine

|near Beachport

|Infigen Energy

|2012 approved{{Cite web|url=http://www.infigenenergy.com/about-us/news/woakwine-wind-farm-development-approval.html|title=Woakwine Wind Farm gets approved - Infigen Energy|website=www.infigenenergy.com|access-date=2016-03-20|archive-date=31 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331230041/http://www.infigenenergy.com/about-us/news/woakwine-wind-farm-development-approval.html|url-status=live}}

|{{Cite web|url=http://thesoutheasterntimes.com.au/wordpress/2014/01/woakwine-windfarm-confidence/|title=Woakwine windfarm confidence - The South Eastern Times|website=thesoutheasterntimes.com.au|access-date=2016-03-20|archive-date=30 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330071311/http://thesoutheasterntimes.com.au/wordpress/2014/01/woakwine-windfarm-confidence/|url-status=live}}

Cancelled wind farm proposals

=Myponga Wind Farm=

The Myponga Wind Farm was a wind farm proposal by TrustPower in the southern Mount Lofty Ranges, on the Fleurieu Peninsula 50 km south of Adelaide, between the towns of Myponga and Sellicks Beach. Development approval was granted in 2003,{{cite news|url=http://www.victorharbortimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/support-for-myponga-wind-farm/227114.aspx|title=Support for Myponga wind farm|first=Rod|last=White|date=20 November 2003|work=The Times|access-date=10 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706113218/http://www.victorharbortimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/support-for-myponga-wind-farm/227114.aspx|archive-date=6 July 2011|url-status=dead}} and the project was planned to be operational by the end of 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,27574,25966853-2682,00.html|title=Wind farm for Adelaide fringe|first=David|last=Nankervis|date=23 August 2009|work=Sunday Mail|access-date=10 August 2019|archive-date=27 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827050009/http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,27574,25966853-2682,00.html|url-status=live}} The approval was revoked in 2011.

In 2009, TrustPower announced that it would not proceed with the project, because the South Australian government had not approved variations to height, layout and turbine type in the existing planning approval.{{cite press release|url=http://www.findata.co.nz/Markets/NZX/21825/TrustPower_decides_not_to_proceed_with_Myponga_Wind_Farm.htm|title=TPW: TrustPower decides not to proceed with Myponga Wind Farm|date=10 September 2009|publisher=Trustpower|access-date=2010-10-16|archive-date=20 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720114743/http://www.findata.co.nz/Markets/NZX/21825/TrustPower_decides_not_to_proceed_with_Myponga_Wind_Farm.htm|url-status=live}} The requested change was to reduce the number of turbines to 16 but increase their power output and increase the height of the turbines from 100 metres to 110 metres.{{cite web|url=http://www.ministers.sa.gov.au/news.php?id=5327|title=Myponga/Sellicks Hill Wind Farm|last=Holloway|first=Paul|date=8 September 2009|publisher=Government of South Australia|access-date=2009-09-10}} The planning approval was eventually revoked.{{cite web |url=https://www.farmonline.com.au/story/3630247/sa-puts-foot-down-on-mypongasellicks-hill-wind-farm-plan/ |title=SA puts foot down on Myponga/Sellicks Hill Wind Farm plan |date=24 January 2011 |newspaper=FarmOnline |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=10 August 2019 |archive-date=13 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413190513/https://www.farmonline.com.au/story/3630247/sa-puts-foot-down-on-mypongasellicks-hill-wind-farm-plan/ |url-status=live }}

=Keyneton=

Pacific Hydro proposed to build a 105 MW wind farm near Keyneton east of the Barossa Valley.{{cite web |url=http://www.pacifichydro.com.au/files/2012/06/Exec-summary-.pdf |title=Executive Summary |work=Proposed Keyneton Wind Farm Development Application |date=June 2012 |publisher=Pacific Hydro |access-date=25 October 2019 |archive-date=6 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306121028/http://www.pacifichydro.com.au/files/2012/06/Exec-summary-.pdf |url-status=live }} It was approved by the government in 2013. The proposal was cancelled in October 2019.

Impacts

{{Update section|date=June 2022}}

The increasing proportion of renewable energy in the state has caused a significant decrease in the emissions intensity of electricity generation in South Australia.

The rapid development of wind power in South Australia has led to direct economic effects from the construction and operation of wind farms. There has been a total of $2.8 billion in wind power investment up to October 2011, which is estimated to have created 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.{{Cite web |url=http://econews.com.au/news-to-sustain-our-world/south-aust-renewable-energy-plan-wins-praise/ |title=South Australia's renewable energy plan wins praise |access-date=28 July 2012 |archive-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913054225/http://econews.com.au/news-to-sustain-our-world/south-aust-renewable-energy-plan-wins-praise/ |url-status=live }} Studies into the economic effects of wind farms have reported that a 50 MW installation pays host landholders some $250,000 per year, is constructed by workers who spend up to $1.2 million locally and contributes up to $80,000 annually to community projects.{{Cite web |url=http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/cec/misc/gwd |title=Benefits of wind energy in Australia |access-date=5 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001012618/http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/cec/misc/gwd |archive-date=1 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}

Policies to streamline the approval process for wind farm developments have met with some community opposition. Specific concerns have been raised by rural residents who claim that wind farms have an unacceptable impact on property values, health and the environment.[http://www.borderwatch.com.au/news/local/news/general/south-east-residents-join-wind-farm-protest/2431213.aspx South East residents join wind power protest]{{Dead link|date=November 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

There has been some controversy with respect to the impact of the rising share of wind power and other renewables such as solar on [https://www.elvistech.ng/ retail electricity] prices in South Australia. A 2012 report by The Energy Users Association of Australia claimed that retail electricity prices in South Australia were then the third highest in the developed world behind Germany and Denmark, with prices likely to rise to become the most expensive in the near future.{{Cite web |url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/power-prices-to-be-highest-in-the-world/story-e6frea83-1226305741810 |title=SA power prices to be highest in the world |access-date=23 July 2012 |archive-date=11 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611023259/http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/power-prices-to-be-highest-in-the-world/story-e6frea83-1226305741810 |url-status=live }} The then South Australian Opposition Leader, Isobel Redmond, linked the state's high retail prices for electricity to the Government's policy of promoting development of renewable energy, noting that Germany and Denmark had followed similar policies.{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-21/high-electricity-prices-south-australia/3903326 |title=Heat blamed for high SA electricity prices |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=20 March 2012 |access-date=28 July 2012 |archive-date=28 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728183201/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-03-21/high-electricity-prices-south-australia/3903326 |url-status=live }} On the other hand, it has been noted that the impact of wind power on the merit order effect, where relatively low cost wind power is purchased by retailers before higher cost sources of power, has been credited for a decline in the wholesale electricity price in South Australia.{{Cite web |url=http://reneweconomy.com.au/2012/south-australias-big-win-with-wind-56374 |title=South Australia's big win with wind |date=20 March 2012 |access-date=28 July 2012 |archive-date=26 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526002807/http://reneweconomy.com.au/2012/south-australias-big-win-with-wind-56374 |url-status=live }} Data compiled by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) shows South Australian wholesale electricity prices are the third highest out of Australia's five mainland states,{{Cite web |url=http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/109921/13-carbon-prices-appendixd.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=13 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213050905/http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/109921/13-carbon-prices-appendixd.pdf |archive-date=13 February 2014 |url-status=dead }} with the 2013 South Australian Electricity Report noting that increases in prices were "largely driven by transmission and distribution network price increases".{{Cite web |url=http://www.aemo.com.au/Electricity/Planning/South-Australian-Advisory-Functions/South-Australian-Electricity-Report |title=AEMO South Australian Electricity Report |access-date=13 August 2014 |archive-date=7 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107002412/http://www.aemo.com.au/Electricity/Planning/South-Australian-Advisory-Functions/South-Australian-Electricity-Report |url-status=dead }}

The South Australian Government has stated that the price increase due to the Australian Government's carbon price (in place from July 2012 to June 2014) was approximately half of that experienced by other states due to the high installed capacity of wind and gas-fired generation.{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-15/electricity-gas-prices-rise-south-australia/4072446 |title=Electricity and gas prices to jump 18% in SA |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=14 June 2012 |access-date=23 July 2012 |archive-date=23 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723000028/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-15/electricity-gas-prices-rise-south-australia/4072446 |url-status=live }}

2011 Renewable Energy Plan

{{Update section|date=June 2022|reason=was it successful?}}

In October 2011 the South Australian state Government released a renewable energy plan proposing a range of measures including:{{cite web |url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8362559/new-rules-for-wind-farms-in-sa |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716064148/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8362559/new-rules-for-wind-farms-in-sa |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 July 2012 |title=New rules for wind farms in SA |date=19 October 2011 |work=ninemsn }}

  • a revised renewable energy target of 33% of the state's electricity production coming from renewable sources by 2020
  • a ban on new coal-fired power stations
  • greater involvement of local government in the development approval process to promote more effective community engagement
  • investigations into increasing the capacity of transmission lines to support renewable energy developments including wind energy
  • no wind farms allowed within one kilometre of any home unless agreement is reached between the developer and the home owner.

See also

{{Portal|Renewable energy|South Australia}}

References

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Wind power in South Australia}}

{{Wind farms in Australia}}

{{EnergySA}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wind Power in South Australia}}

Category:Wind power in Australia

Category:Renewable energy commercialization