Hay Plains identified for 1GW wind farm
Up to 1GW of wind power will be produced on the Hay Plains if a proposal for the Keri Keri Renewable Energy Project goes ahead.
Baldon Wind Farm would be located due south of the Willowvale Rest Area, abutting the Sturt Highway and Keri Keri Road, 75 km south west of Hay comprising up to 176 wind turbine generators.
It is expected to create up to 400 jobs during construction and up to 12 full-time roles once the wind farm becomes operational.
Goldwind Australia and Lacour Energy are currently exploring the potential for a wind farm in the Hay Plains area, part of the South-West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and senior project developer with Goldwind Australia Pty Ltd, Jason Gibson was scheduled to address Hay Shire Council yesterday afternoon.
The18,000-hectare Keri Keri site is within the Murray River and Hay Shire Council areas, and is adjacent to the Edward River Council area to the east.
The project is at an early stage of development and is located on a single landowner property where sheep farming is currently the dominant activity.
Wind monitoring on site is underway as well as detailed site investigations and surveys.
It is anticipated that if constructed, the project would generate the equivalent to the amount of electricity required to power in the order of 500,000 to 700,000 households.
Could renewable energy be the answer to Hay’s economic industry future? Image: unsplash
