Federal Approval for Goyder Wind and Solar Project in South Australia
The extensive Goyder wind and solar project, along with its associated battery systems in South Australia, is making significant strides, as the plans for stages 1 and 2 of the northern section have gained federal approval.
The northern phases, which consist of 99 turbines with a total output of 600 megawatts (MW), have received EPBC endorsement, albeit with certain stipulations regarding environmental offsets and protective measures for pygmy blue-tongued lizards and Flinders Ranges worm lizards.
Project Adjustments and Approvals
Last year, Neoen made adjustments to the two phases by removing five turbines and introducing an additional 12 to a new segment at the northern edge. Furthermore, the developer sought and obtained EPBC consent to increase the turbine blades’ length by an extra 5 metres, bringing them to a total of 95 metres.
The proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) maintaining a capacity of 225 MW/900MWh remains unchanged, although it will occupy a reduced area.
Ownership and Future Vision
Although Neoen’s branding is prominently displayed throughout the Goyder renewable energy hub, the project is presently under the ownership of Brookfield, following their successful acquisition of the French company for $10.2 billion in March of the previous year.
The overarching aim for the entire Goyder initiative is to achieve over 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of combined wind and solar generation alongside a series of batteries that could provide up to 1,800 MW of capacity with three hours of storage capability.
Developments in the Goyder Renewables Zone
As planning progresses for the northern section, Goyder South has already launched as the inaugural phase of the vast Goyder Renewables Zone, located near Burra in South Australia’s mid-north. This region is rapidly becoming one of the nation’s largest hybrid projects combining wind, solar, and battery technology.
The sites within the zone are strategically positioned to the north of the network crossroads, where the EnergyConnect interconnector links South Australia with New South Wales, facilitating the planned transmission lines to supply electricity to demand hubs such as Whyalla and Perth.
Previous Achievements and Future Contracts
The first stage of Goyder South, boasting 412 MW, officially commenced operations last year. This phase is supported by an agreement established in 2020 with the ACT government for 100 MW of that capacity at an unprecedented feed-in tariff of $44.97 per megawatt-hour.
The Goyder South project also includes a 600 MW solar facility and an additional 600 MW of wind capacity, complemented by a battery system with a potential output of 900 MW and 1,800 MWh, all possessing state planning approvals as confirmed by Neoen.
Partnerships with BHP
Neoen has initiated a pioneering “baseload renewables” contract with BHP for an extra 200 MW of wind output from Goyder South, supported by the recently completed Blyth battery. This setup aims to supply energy to BHP’s extensive Olympic Dam copper mine and its smelting operations nearby.
Following this, Neoen has established another “baseload renewables” agreement with BHP for 300 MW sourced from the upcoming Goyder North wind project, which will be supported by the projected 200 MW, 800 MWh Goyder battery.
