Australia’s Largest Wind Project Secures Grid Connection Boost

In support of Australia's energy transition and net-zero goals, AusNet and Hitachi Energy are partnering to connect the Golden Plains Wind Farm, one of Australia's largest onshore renewable projects, to the national electricity grid.

The $3 billion Golden Plains Wind Farm, located in Victoria, is expected to generate 4,000 GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power more than 765,000 homes and avoid 4.5 million tons of COâ‚‚ emissions each year. Owned by TagEnergy (85%) and Ingka Group (15%), the project supports Australia's goal of sourcing 82% of electricity from renewables by 2030.

AusNet, a major energy infrastructure business, was appointed to design, build, and operate the required transmission facilities for the wind farm's first phase. This includes a new 500 kV terminal station, a 5-km transmission line, and a 220 kV substation.

To support grid integration, Hitachi Energy is supplying two 850 MVA 500/220 kV power transformers. These transformers play a crucial role in enabling efficient, high-voltage transmission of renewable energy from the site to population centers.

The wind farm will be built in two stages, East and West, with a total capacity of 1,330 MW. Phase one, now under construction, will feature 122 wind turbines and a 300 MW battery storage system to enhance grid stability and flexibility. The facility is expected to operate for approximately 30 years.

The project marks a key step toward achieving Australia's net-zero by 2050 target.

Source: hitachienergy.com