THE development of a 157-turbine wind farm to be located between Skipton and Beaufort is gaining momentum, with Origin inviting proposals for engineering and construction from interested parties.
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Origin received a planning permit in October 2010 to construct the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, 35 kilometres west of Ballarat.
An Origin spokesman said the company was assessing a range of options to ensure the optimal development of Stockyard Hill Wind Farm.
“This involves seeking proposals from third parties interested in supplying wind turbines, constructing the wind farm on Origin’s behalf,” he said.
“(It also involves) providing equity for the wind farm’s development while Origin supports it through a power purchase agreement.
“The wind farm will play an important role in helping Origin meet its obligations under the federal government’s large-scale renewable energy target and provide green power to our customers.
“On the ground, we continue to progress the development of Stockyard Hill.”
The spokesman said Origin had also made significant moves to carry out a Department of Planning and Community Development-approved Stockyard Hill Wind Farm noise monitoring plan.
“As part of the wind farm’s noise-monitoring plan, equipment was recently installed at a number of locations to measure background noise levels,” the spokesman said.
“In addition, a number of wind monitoring masts that record wind speeds have recently been erected – and the information gathered by these masts will help confirm Stockyard Hill’s overall design.”
The wind farm has attracted community opposition in the past.
