Federal Approval for Goyder Wind and Solar Project in South Australia
The extensive Goyder wind, solar, and battery project by Neoen in South Australia is taking shape as the first two stages of the northern section receive federal approval.
The Goyder North’s stages 1 and 2, featuring 99 turbines with a total capacity of 600 megawatts (MW), have been granted EPBC approval, albeit with conditions regarding environmental offsets, land clearance, and the management of local wildlife such as pygmy blue-tongued lizards and Flinders Ranges worm lizards.
Project Developments and Changes
Last year, Neoen revamped the design for these stages, resulting in the removal of five turbines while adding twelve to a newly designated section at the northern edge of the site. The developer also sought and received permission to increase the height of the turbine blades by 5 metres, bringing their total length to 95 metres.
Although the planned 225 MW/900 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) remains unchanged, it will now occupy a smaller area than previously designated.
Ownership Changes and Future Goals
While Neoen’s branding prominently features on the Goyder renewable energy hub, the massive project is now owned by Brookfield, following its $10.2 billion acquisition of the French company, which was finalised in March of last year.
The overarching vision for the Goyder project encompasses over 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar generation, alongside multiple battery systems with a potential combined capacity of 1,800 MW and three hours of electricity storage.
A Key Renewable Zone in South Australia
As planning progresses for the northern section, the Goyder South area was the initial phase of the full Goyder Renewables Zone, located near Burra in the mid-north region of the state. This zone is developing into one of the largest hybrid projects for wind, solar, and battery energy storage in Australia.
The project sites are strategically positioned north of network junctions, where the interstate EnergyConnect project links South Australia with New South Wales. Planned new transmission lines will ensure power reaches the electricity demand centres in Whyalla and Perth.
Achievements and Future Contracts
The first stage of the Goyder South project, yielding 412 MW, officially commenced operations last year. This stage was bolstered by a 2020 agreement with the ACT government, securing 100 MW at an unprecedented low feed-in tariff of just $44.97 per megawatt hour.
Complementing this is a 600 MW solar initiative and an additional 600 MW of wind power, alongside a 900 MW battery with a storage capacity of 1,800 MWh, all of which have received state planning approval, according to Neoen.
Neoen has also forged a groundbreaking “baseload renewables” contract with BHP for an additional 200 MW of wind power from Goyder South, supported by the recently completed Blyth battery, intended to supply energy to BHP’s Olympic Dam copper mine and its nearby facilities.
Following this, Neoen secured a second “baseload renewables” agreement with BHP, now involving 300 MW sourced from the new Goyder North wind project, underpinned by the forthcoming 200 MW, 800 MWh Goyder battery.
