Australian company Pacific Hydro has received conditional approval from the South Australian Development Assessment Commission for a 105MW wind farm at Keyneton near the Barossa Valley.
The proposed Keyneton wind farm calls for the construction of 42 turbines with a maximum height of 145.5m from the ground to the tip of the blade (when vertical), access roads including new improvements, and associated transmission infrastructure.
The transmission infrastructure includes underground 33kV cabling, overhead line, permanent 33kV/275kV grid connection with appropriate dimensions of 80m x 285m.
The site covers a total area of 5,256 hectares, of which around 48 hectares will be used in the final project footprint.
South Australian Planning Minister John Rau said the government has approved the project with 26 conditions covering both the construction and operation of the wind farm and its associated infrastructure.
Once operational, the $240m project is estimated to generate enough electricity to power around 68,000 South Australian homes annually and curb 240,000t of CO2 emissions.
With the approval, the company will now embark on the next stage of the process including extensive consultation with the local community and a detailed feasibility analysis; construction will begin thereafter.
Pacific Hydro Australia general manager Lane Crockett said the proposed project meets all planning guidelines and has received approval.
"This approval confirms yet again that South Australia is a global clean energy leader and is living proof that the transition to a clean energy future is not only possible but highly desirable," said Crockett.
However, the Eastern Mt Lofty Ranges Landscape Guardians, a local organisation, has been opposing the proposed project on the grounds that the turbines will adversely impact the environment, and now threatens to file a suit against the latest approval.
Image: Keyneton wind power plant will feature 42 turbines. Photo: courtesy of Pacific Hydro.
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