Australia, Policy, Projects, Renewables

Wind farm potential for NSW plantations

renewables, NSW plantation

Forestry Corporation of NSW is exploring wind farm opportunities in its public pine plantations to aid the state’s renewable energy transition.

Anshul Chaudhary, CEO of the corporation, recently announced that Neoen, Iberdrola Australia, TagEnergy, Mainstream Renewables Power and Someva Renewables joint venture have secured permits to investigate wind farms in some Central West and Southern Inland plantation areas.

The permits enable the proponents to start feasibility studies for potential projects around Bondo, Orange, Black Springs and Sunny Corner State Forests.

“A permit is not a consent to proceed with a project, but it will allow the proponent to start the detailed studies to see if a project is viable within each investigation permit area,” Chaudhary said.

Companies must conduct wind monitoring, environmental assessments and community consultation over potential impacts like noise, visuals, traffic and heritage.

Once complete, the companies would submit proposals for State Government consideration. Forestry Corporation of NSW will then issue construction and operations permits after that.

The entire approval process could take three to six years, meaning any approved wind farms likely wouldn’t operate until the early 2030s.

“The proponents have committed to building relationships with local communities, stakeholders, First Nations groups and councils,” Chaudhary said.

Legislation passed in 2021 enabled renewable projects in NSW’s softwood plantations.

“Wind farms can co-exist with plantation forests without having any long-term impact on tree growth or plantation operations, as the wind turbines are situated well above the top of the trees,” Chaudhary said.

“Pine plantations are large areas often in windy locations, with access to powerlines, and a good existing road network.”

Similar proposals are underway in other states, while wind farms already operate in forests overseas like Canada, Germany and Sweden.

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