Hydro Tasmania has unveiled plans for an $11.5 million investment to modernise the Huxley Hill Wind Farm on King Island, one of Australia’s oldest operational wind farms.
The project aims to extend the facility’s lifespan by at least another decade while maintaining its crucial role in the island’s unique hybrid energy system.
Located 80km off Tasmania’s north-west coast, King Island relies entirely on its off-grid power system.
The wind farm, established in 1998, has been instrumental in reducing the island’s diesel dependence through renewable energy generation.
“King Island has been an early pioneer of renewable energy systems and a model for other remote communities in Australia and around the world,” said Jesse Clark, Executive General Manager of Assets and Infrastructure at Hydro Tasmania.
The company is opting to “re-power” the existing turbines rather than replace them with new units.
This includes the use of refurbished equipment and maximising the reuse of existing components.
The comprehensive upgrade will involve foundation and tower refurbishment, along with the installation of restored nacelles, which were refurbished in Denmark.
The turbine blades are being restored on-site at King Island.
The wind farm operates as part of an integrated system alongside a 5000-panel solar farm, battery storage, and diesel generators.
The two Vestas V52 wind turbines currently provide approximately 32 per cent of the island’s energy needs, saving about 640,000 litres of diesel annually.
The upgrade project faces unique challenges, including extreme weather conditions and complex logistics.
Large cranes will need to be transported to the island by ship to handle the installation work. Additionally, maintaining a skilled workforce on an island with just 1600 residents presents its own challenges.
The refurbishment project, which began in September 2024, is expected to be completed by 2027.
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