New Riverina wind farm to generate 1.3 GW

The federal government has announced the approval of The Pottinger Wind Farm, located in the Riverina region of New South Wales, which is expected to generate 1300 MW of power.

Located between Hay and Deniliquin, the wind farm has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Power from the site’s 247 wind turbines will feed a 500 MW battery energy storage system. According to AGL the initial phase of development will include the construction of up to 140 wind turbines supported by a 400 MW/1600 MWh battery connected to the Project EnergyConnect transmission network.

Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the project is an example of how renewable energy projects can benefit regional communities.

“Not only will this project deliver clean, cheap and reliable power to the Riverina and surrounds, but it will also improve infrastructure and increase jobs and investment in the local community,” he said. “During construction, the project will support up to 900 jobs with a further 50 created to support ongoing operations.

“As part of the project, the proponent will upgrade and improve roads in Hay, Conargo and Broken Hill to allow for the transport of project components, which will also directly benefit the local communities and businesses who use those roads every day.”

Watt added that the growing number of renewable energy projects highlights the national shift towards cleaner energy.

“Since 2022, the Albanese government has given the green light to more than 100 renewable energy projects — enough to power every home in Australia,” he said.

Image credit: Someva Renewables