THE ACT government has just announced it will buy power generated from the Crookwell 2 Wind Farm for the next 20 years.
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It comes as proposed modifications to the $200 million Crookwell project will soon be on display.
The ACT Government announced yesterday it would award a 20-year feed-in tariff contract to the NSW Crookwell 2 Wind Farm.
“Wind farms harness an unlimited and readily-available resource to generate electricity and parts of NSW have been identified as some of Australia’s best areas for wind resources,” Deputy Secretary NSW Resources and Energy, Kylie Hargreaves, said.
“The $200 million Crookwell 2 Wind Farm project will help NSW deliver on its commitment to increase renewable energy jobs and infrastructure in the state.”
The 91 megawatt wind farm is expected to support 80 direct construction jobs and 14 ongoing operational positions and will contribute to the ACT’s 100 per cent renewable energy target.
Proponent Union Fenosa Wind Australia has also committed to a Community Enhancement Fund of $2500 per turbine, which equates to a contribution of around $70,000 each year to the local community for the life of project, which is estimated to be 25 years.
The proposed modifications to Crookwell 2 include reducing the number of turbines from 46 to 33. It also proposes increasing the hub height from 80m to 95m, the blade size from 47m to 64m, the rotor diameter from 96m up to 130m and the blade tip height from 128m to 160m.
Meanwhile, draft wind farm guidelines have been recently released by the State Government in an attempt to speed up the approval process and balance the needs of affected communities.
Yass and Crookwell residents are encouraged to attend drop-in information sessions about the new guidelines at the Yass Soldiers Club, 6.30-8.30pm on August 29 and at the Crookwell RSL 6.30-8.30pm on September 1.
The framework is on exhibition until September 16. See: planning.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say