AusNet and Hitachi Energy have joined forces to deliver clean and reliable power to hundreds of thousands of homes through the Golden Plains Wind Farm project in Victoria.
The $3 billion wind farm, Australia’s largest permitted onshore wind project, is set to produce 4000 gigawatt-hours of green energy annually, powering over 765,000 homes across Victoria and beyond.
AusNet, one of the country’s largest utilities, has been tasked with connecting the first phase of the wind farm to the grid.
The company will design, build, and operate the transmission facilities, including a new 500 kilovolts (KV) terminal station, a 5 kilometres transmission line, and a new 220 kV substation.
Hitachi Energy, a key technology partner in this endeavour, is supplying two crucial 850 megavolt-amperes/500 KV power transformers.
The company’s role extends beyond mere supply, as they are partnering with AusNet for the design, delivery, and installation of these transformers.
These transformers, manufactured using 100 percent fossil-free production methods, were delivered in a record time of 12 months from the order date.
This rapid turnaround exemplifies Hitachi Energy’s commitment to excellence and efficiency in meeting project timelines.
The transformers are custom-designed to optimise material use and energy efficiency while meeting the highest quality standards.
This tailored approach ensures that the transformers are perfectly suited to the specific requirements of the Golden Plains Wind Farm project.
The Golden Plains Wind Farm will be constructed in two phases, with a total capacity of 1330 megawatts upon completion of the second phase.
The first phase, which began construction in early 2023, will feature 122 turbines and a 300 MW battery storage facility to enhance grid flexibility and stability.
This project is expected to prevent 4.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, contributing significantly to Australia’s goal of sourcing 82 per cent of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
Currently, renewable sources provide 32 per cent of Australia’s power, with wind energy playing an increasingly important role in the low-carbon transition.
Beyond its environmental impact, the Golden Plains Wind Farm project is also boosting local economies.
The construction phase has created around 700 jobs, with an additional 70 direct operational jobs expected upon completion.
The project demonstrates a commitment to supporting regional communities and generating social value.
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