TagEnergy’s $2 billion 756 MW stage one development of Golden Plains Wind Farm in Rokewood is a significant step closer to generating clean energy for Victoria with the arrival of the first shipment of Vestas wind turbine blades into GeelongPort.

The mega-project will feature 122 of Vestas’ V162-6.2 MW™ wind turbines from the leading EnVentus™ platform, with 1,464 components being shipped on 22 vessels to GeelongPort over the coming months.

The major components include 366 blades, 732 tower sections and 122 individual “powertrains”, which make up the gearbox and the generator, “nacelles”, which cover the generator functions at the top of the wind turbine, and “hubs” that are positioned at the centre of the three blades.

With civil works well underway, 39 wind turbine foundations have already been constructed at the site, including the installation of tower anchor cages used to hold down the tower sections.

Using GeelongPort’s leading storage facilities, the blades will be safely located at Lascelles Wharf in preparation for their transportation to site via Hamilton Highway in October, when the project’s wind turbine installation will significantly ramp up.

TagEnergy’s Managing Partner Australia, Andrew Riggs, said the arrival of the blades is a tremendous milestone for Golden Plains Wind Farm as the country accelerates towards net-zero carbon emissions to stop climate change.

“We are excited about seeing the first wind turbines erected over the next few months and look forward to delivering clean energy to the grid in 2025,” he said.

Johan Myburgh, Senior Director, Vestas, said “As the lead Engineering, Procurement and Construction provider of Golden Plains Stage One, as well as the long-term service and maintenance provider, Vestas is very proud to drive the success of this landmark project through our world-leading wind turbines and sustainable energy solutions.”

Ella George, State Member for Lara, which takes in the site of GeelongPort, welcomed the milestone delivery and highlighted the significance of the project in the Victorian Government’s transition to a clean energy future.

“We all know how important renewable energy is going to be in powering our state and the Golden Plains Wind Farm will play a key role in meeting Victoria’s ambitious 95% renewable energy target by 2035,” she said. I’m thrilled that the Geelong region is playing its part with local expertise leading the way in making it happen.”

GeelongPort’s Chief Executive Officer, Brett Winter, said the port was delighted to be partnering with TagEnergy and Vestas in facilitating this critical delivery.

“It is a complex operation to move these massive wind turbine components safely and efficiently, and GeelongPort has the unique infrastructure, expertise and location to handle a project of this magnitude,” he said.

Golden Plains Wind Farm will play a game-changing role in Victoria’s and Australia’s clean energy targets, while boosting the local economy and creating hundreds of jobs. Requiring the skills of over 400 people during construction, the project also brings together expertise across the entire value chain including major project development, port and transport services, wind turbine manufacturing and long-term service and operation.

Once completed, the first stage of Golden Plains Wind Farm will generate enough clean energy to power approximately 450,000 homes and prevent more than 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

TagEnergy owns 85% of the development after Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group, the world’s largest IKEA retailer, acquired 15% equity earlier this year. Snowy Hydro recently agreed to purchase 40% of the energy generated by the project in a landmark deal.

About GeelongPort

GeelongPort has been an integral part of the economic and social fabric of Geelong for 150 years and is committed to supporting the local community. GeelongPort welcomes more than 1000 vessels each year across a broad range of industry segments, including crude oil, woodchip, fertiliser and break-bulk cargo. As the second largest port in Victoria, GeelongPort is a major driver of the local and statewide economy, generating more than 1,800 jobs across the state and managing in excess of $7 billion of trade each year.

In 2022, GeelongPort welcomed the iconic Spirit of Tasmania and became Victoria’s new gateway to Tasmania, generating increased tourism and business growth opportunities for the greater Geelong region.

www.geelongport.com.au

About Vestas

Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We design, manufacture, install, and service onshore and offshore wind turbines across the globe, and with more than 164 GW of wind turbines in 88 countries, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. Through our industry-leading smart data capabilities and unparalleled service, we use data to interpret, forecast, and exploit wind resources and deliver best-in-class wind power solutions. Together with our customers, Vestas’ more than 29,000 employees are bringing the world sustainable energy solutions to power a bright future. We invite you to learn more about Vestas by visiting our website at www.vestas.com.