The 396MW wind farm will create an estimated 250 direct jobs during the construction phase and up to 10 ongoing regional jobs during its operational life, with opportunities for local workers.
When fully commissioned in 2024, the RPWF will be the largest operating wind farm in NSW and will be a key component of the growing PowAR renewable energy portfolio.
PowAR, which completed the acquisition of Tilt Renewables’ Australian business earlier this month, is already the largest owner and operator of non-hydro renewable energy in Australia, with a portfolio of more than 1,7 GW across operating and under-construction solar and wind assets.
RPWF will be constructed on an elevated ridgeline near the town of Rye Park, near Yassin the Southern Tablelands region of NSW. It will utilise 66 Vestas EnVentus V162-6.0 MW wind turbines, the latest technology solution from Vestas, maximising energy production and environmental benefits.
Construction activity on site will commence in Q4 2021 under a multi-contract structure with delivery partners Vestas (turbine supply and install), Zenviron (electrical and civil balance of plant) and Lumea (grid connection).
About 55% of production from the RPWF has been contracted under a 15-year power purchase agreement with Newcrest Mining for the supply of electricity and green products to its Cadia gold mine in NSW. The agreement will also assist Newcrest achieve its corporate emissions reduction target.
In addition to local employment opportunities, during the construction phase the RPWF will bring local economic benefits through requirements for accommodation, food, fuel and trade equipment and services.
Commercial operation of the RPWF is expected to be reached in Q1 2024. Once fully commissioned, the project will make the following contributions to the community, the environment and the PowAR business (assuming average wind conditions).
• At least $270,000 per year in community funding
• Significant local and regional economic, social and environmental benefits
• Average annual energy production of 1,188GWh (lifetime P50), equivalent to powering
approximately 215,000 homes
• The project will offset 960,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, which is the equivalent of removing
approximately 300,000 cars from the road each year
• Significant native vegetation and fauna offset program
PowAR chief executive officer Geoff Dutaillis said achieving financial close on Rye Park represented a significant milestone for the company following the completion of the Tilt Renewables acquisition less than one month ago.
“This is considered the first of many investment decisions that will be made over the coming years as the combined business looks to build out the Tilt Renewables development pipeline, which we consider to be the best in the market,” he said.
“We are very pleased to be able to continue our long-standing relationship with our trusted delivery partners, Vestas and Zenviron, to work with our valued customer Newcrest and to further enhance our relationship with Lumea given the strategic importance of the RPWF and our pipeline of development opportunities in NSW.
“The RPWF will be coming online very soon after the foreshadowed closure of the Liddell Power Station in NSW, supporting the transition to a cost-effective, clean energy system and helping the state reach its important energy and environmental ambitions.”
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