In October 2019 RES Australia Pty Ltd (RES) was granted planning consent for the Twin Creek Wind Farm comprising 51 turbines (180m tip height) and associated infrastructure to generate up to 185MW of electricity.

Since 2019 there has been substantial evolution in wind turbine technology. To take advantage of this change in wind turbine technology, RES has optimised the project layout.

The optimised proposal is for a wind farm and battery storage facility with the following components (all subject to detailed design):

• Based on the Vestas V172-7.2MW as the candidate turbine, with an overall turbine blade tip height up to 220 metres, a hub height of up to 134m and a rotor diameter of up to 172m. The final turbine model will be subject to a competitive tender process following development authorisation;
• Up to 42 Wind Turbine Generators (WTG);
• Each WTG has a name plate capacity of up to 7.2MW, with a total installed generating capacity of up to 270MW;
• Associated hard standing areas and access roads;
• Operations and maintenance building and compound with associated car parking;
• Two electrical substations (one project substation within the windfarm boundary and one cut-in terminal substation;
• A battery energy storage facility with an indicative capacity of 215MW. The facility includes up to 24 containerised energy storage enclosures (which house batteries, inverters, transformers, racking and associated electrical equipment), a control building and switch room;
• Overhead and underground electrical cable reticulation;
• Overhead transmission line for approximately 15 kilometres from the on-site substation to the existing overhead Robertstown- Tungkillo transmission line east of Truro;
• Meteorological mast(s) for measuring wind speed and other climatic conditions, and;
• Temporary construction facilities including a borrow pit and concrete batching plant-facilities.

The indicative concept infrastructure layout for the proposed development is provided on the maps below.

Click to enlarge

The final design is being shaped by a number of detailed technical, engineering and environmental studies and assessments including:

• Ecology- Flora and Fauna
• Landscape and visual
• Noise
• Cultural heritage
• Bushire risk
• Shadow flicker and blade glint
• Aviation
• Access & transport
• Geology and hydrology
• Socio-economic

To consider the changes to the project layout resulting from the optimisation, a variation to the planning consent is required to account for wind turbine generators of a different size and capacity and to increase the overall capacity of the project from 185MW to 270MW. RES has considered options available to amend the current planning consent to achieve variations to the project and has resolved that the alterations resulting from the optimisation warrant submission of a new development application.

A development application will be prepared and submitted to the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP). As part of the preparation of the development application, RES is undertaking environmental and social assessments to understand both the impacts and opportunities the project presents to local communities and the environment. All technical assessments and reports prepared as part of the previously approved project will be reviewed and updated as necessary to consider and address any potential impacts of the optimised project.

Throughout the preparation of the development application, RES is seeking feedback on the project from key stakeholders and local community members. This information, along with impacts identified through community and stakeholder consultation will feed into the development application.

RES values community engagement and it is integral to this project. We are continuing to consult with the local community and a wide range of stakeholders to provide input into the approved project design.

Consultations activities on the initial project design and planning application included;

• Community Information Days 
• Project Displays 
• Newsletters
• One on One meetings with adjoining residents
• Community Liaison Meeting (following approval)

Ongoing consultation on the optimised project will include information sessions, newsletters, surveys and one on one meetings with neighbours, other key stakeholders and interested community members. 

Drop into information sessions to discuss the Project were held in Eudunda, Kapunda and Truro on the 26th and 27th of September. Information from these sessions can be found here.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us, via the dedicated phone number, email, or complete mailing list registration form at the link on the Contact Us page.

We are continuing our consultation with Local Government, State and Federal Authorities, as well as local businesses, community groups and other interested parties.

RES supports the local community wherever possible. The consultants engaged on this project are mainly based in South Australia and all have extensive experience in renewable energy development.