Federal Approval for Goyder Wind and Solar Project in South Australia
The full potential of Neoen’s Goyder wind and solar project, along with its battery storage system in South Australia, is gradually coming into focus. The northern section’s stages 1 and 2 have received federal approval, allowing the ambitious project to progress.
This phase encompasses a total of 99 turbines with a capacity of 600 megawatts (MW). The plans for Goyder North stages 1 and 2 are now EPBC-approved, albeit with specific conditions concerning environmental offsets, habitat clearing, and the protection of pygmy blue-tongued lizards and Flinders Ranges worm lizards.
Revisions and Enhancements
In response to various considerations, Neoen made revisions to the two stages last year, which included the removal of five turbines and the addition of twelve in a newly designated section at the northern end of the project site. Additionally, the developer has increased the blade size of the turbines slightly, obtaining authorisation from the EPBC to extend the blades by an additional 5 meters, bringing the total height to 95 meters.
The planned battery energy storage system (BESS) remains at a capacity of 225 MW/900 MWh but will occupy a somewhat smaller area than previously envisaged.
Ownership and Future Vision
While Neoen’s branding still prominently features within the Goyder renewable energy hub, ownership has transitioned to Brookfield, following their acquisition of the French firm in March last year for $10.2 billion.
The overarching goal for the entire Goyder project includes generating over 2.6 gigawatts (GW) through wind and solar, alongside multiple battery systems that could offer up to 1,800 MW in capacity with three hours of storage.
Significant Milestones and Contracts
As planning continues for the northern section, Goyder South has already made its mark as the initial phase within the broader Goyder Renewables Zone near Burra, located in the state’s mid-north. This area is rapidly developing into one of Australia’s largest integrated wind, solar, and battery hybrid projects.
Strategically situated north of key network junctions, where the interstate EnergyConnect links South Australia to New South Wales, new transmission lines are also in the works to channel power to centres of electricity demand in Whyalla and Perth.
Last year marked the official opening of the first 412 MW stage of the Goyder South project. This stage is underpinned by a historic agreement established in 2020 with the ACT government, which enabled 100 MW of capacity to be locked in at an unprecedented low feed-in tariff of just $44.97 per megawatt hour.
The South project also includes a 600 MW solar farm and an additional 600 MW of wind energy, complemented by a massive 900 MW, 1,800 megawatt hour (MWh) battery, all of which possess the necessary state planning approvals, as affirmed by Neoen.
In a pioneering move, Neoen has introduced a “baseload renewables” contract with BHP, providing 200 MW of wind energy from the Goyder South project, supported by Neoen’s recently completed Blyth battery. This agreement is instrumental in supplying power to BHP’s extensive Olympic Dam copper mine and smelter operations.
Following this, Neoen has secured a second “baseload renewables” contract with BHP, involving 300 MW from the forthcoming Goyder North wind project, bolstered by a new 200 MW, 800 MWh Goyder battery that is set to be constructed.
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