Federal Approval for Goyder Wind and Solar Project in South Australia
The extensive Goyder wind, solar, and battery project spearheaded by Neoen in South Australia is beginning to take shape, with both stage 1 and 2 of the northern section recently receiving federal approval.
The project encompasses 99 turbines, boasting a capacity of 600 megawatts (MW) for the Goyder North stages 1 and 2, which have been granted EPBC approval, albeit with conditions related to offsets, land clearing, and the management of pygmy blue-tongued lizards and Flinders Ranges worm lizards.
Modifications to the Project
Last year, Neoen revised the plans for the two stages, eliminating five turbines while incorporating twelve new ones in a different area at the northern edge of the site. The height of the turbines has also been increased slightly, with EPBC approval granted to extend the blades by an additional 5 metres, bringing them to a total height of 95 metres.
While the proposed battery energy storage system (BESS), rated at 225 MW/900 MWh, remains intact, it will encompass a smaller land area than initially planned.
Ownership Changes and Future Vision
Although Neoen’s branding continues to decorate the Goyder renewable energy hub, the project is presently under the ownership of Brookfield, following their $10.2 billion acquisition of the French company, completed in March last year.
The overarching goal for the entire project is ambitious, aiming for over 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar energy generation, alongside multiple battery systems with an impressive capacity of up to 1,800 MW and three hours of storage.
Continued Development and Future Prospects
As planning progresses in the northern section, Goyder South marks the first phase of the extensive Goyder Renewables Zone, situated near Burra in the mid-north. This area is emerging as a leading hub for wind, solar, and battery hybrid projects in the nation.
The location is strategically positioned north of the network junction where the interstate EnergyConnect connects South Australia to New South Wales, and where prospective new transmission lines will facilitate the distribution of power to high-demand areas such as Whyalla and Perth.
Recent Milestones and Contracts
The Goyder South project’s first stage, with a capacity of 412 MW, officially commenced operations last year. It benefits from a 2020 agreement with the ACT government, securing 100 MW of capacity at an unprecedented feed-in tariff rate of just $44.97 per megawatt hour.
Complementing the Goyder South project is an additional 600 MW solar array, 600 MW of wind generation, along with a further 900 MW battery, all of which have received the necessary state planning approvals, according to Neoen.
Innovative Contracts with BHP
In a groundbreaking move, Neoen established a “baseload renewables” contract with BHP for an extra 200 MW of wind energy sourced from Goyder South, supported by the recently completed Blyth battery. This initiative aims to supply power to BHP’s substantial Olympic Dam copper mine and smelter, as well as adjacent operations.
Following this, Neoen has secured a second “baseload renewables” contract with BHP, pertaining to 300 MW from the upcoming Goyder North wind project, bolstered by the forthcoming construction of a 200 MW, 800 MWh Goyder battery.
