SBL-Project-Stockyard-Hill-Wind-Farm

By SBL Solutions / Apr 5, 2023

PROJECT: STOCKYARD HILL WIND FARM

Quick summary

SBL Solutions held the mechanical and electrical scope of works for the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, cabling and connecting 149 wind turbine generators.

ABOUT THE CLIENT

THE STOCKYARD HILL WIND FARM HAS THE POTENTIAL TO HARNESS ONE OF VICTORIA’S BEST WIND RESOURCES.

The Stockyard Hill Wind Farm has the potential to harness one of Victoria’s best wind resources and will provide substantial environmental, community and economic benefits. It will have the potential to power approximately 425,000 homes annually.

In May 2022 the project achieved its 5th hold point test, and was approved by the Australian Energy Market Operator and Network Services Provider to generate up to 400MW into the National Electricity Market, further hold point testing continues.

The Stockyard Hill Wind Farm consists of 149 approved wind turbines and is expected to produce 530MW of electricity when finished.

RELATIONSHIP

Engaged by Mammoet

Mammoet is a privately held Dutch company specialising in engineered heavy lifting and transport of large objects.

Mammoet provides solutions to any heavy lifting or transport challenge. Their services are focused on petrochemical, renewables, mining and metals, civil engineering, power generation, and offshore projects.

THE SOLUTION

SBL SOLUTIONS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CABLING AND CONNECTIONS OF 149 GOLDWIND WIND TURBINE GENERATORS.

SBL Solutions held the electrical installation scope of works on this construction project. This saw the cabling and connections of 149 Goldwind Wind Turbine Generators.

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION IS VITAL THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE PROJECT

Stockyard Hill Wind Farm recognises the importance of community consultation throughout the life of the project. Feedback from the consultation process helped to inform and shape the project.

As part of the operations of the project, there are continuing visits being made to neighbouring residences. One-on-one meetings were also being held to actively listen to the community’s views on the project.

Consultation with the community and stakeholders will continue throughout the life of the project.

TIMELINE

  1. April 2018 – Victorian Government approves the project.
  2. May 2018 – Goldwind construct and own transmission lines.
  3. June 2018 – Construction begins.
  4. September 2018 – Keppel Price to supply 28 towers.
  5. January 2020 – Nebras Power acquires a 49% stake.
  6. December 2020 – All 149 turbines are installed.

LOCATION

THE PROJECT BOUNDARY EXTENDS TO FIVE KILOMETRES SOUTH OF BEAUFORT AND APPROXIMATELY FOUR KILOMETRES NORTH OF SKIPTON.

The project boundary extends to five kilometres south of Beaufort and approximately four kilometres north of Skipton. It is located approximately 35 km west of Ballarat in Victoria’s central highlands.

The site has a long history of agricultural use and accordingly is highly modified with little remnant vegetation remaining on the site.

Several small wetlands (freshwater meadows and shallow freshwater marshes) are scattered within and surrounding the site, in addition to minor drainage lines and creeks which traverse the site, mostly in the west and north.

The landscape also contains Monmot Hill, a volcanic cone and Mount Emu, which is a granite hill.

BENEFITS

STOCKYARD HILL WIND FARM WILL GENERATE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES BOTH DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE WIND FARM AND INDIRECTLY THROUGH INCREASED DEMAND FOR GOODS AND SERVICES.

The original socio economic analysis shows that revenues from the additional demand for goods and services within the region are estimated to contribute up to $166 million per year.

The project is also expected to have a number of positive implications for business and industry development in the region including greater private sector investment in the Pyrenees and Corangamite regions.

ENVIRONMENT

THE PROJECT IS LOCATED WITHIN AN AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT, WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE SITE BEING USED LARGELY FOR GRAZING AND CROPPING.

Extensive surveys and assessments have been undertaken to assess the potential impact of the wind farm and related infrastructure on the environment.

Additionally, the project complies with development approval conditions. This includes the implementation of Environmental Management Plans, Native Vegetation Offset Management Plans, Bat and Avifauna Management Plan, Conservation Management Plans etc.

“Stockyard Hill is a mammoth project that will be instrumental in providing sustainable energy to residences throughout the region.” – Mr. Khalid Mohammed Jolo, CEO Nebras Power.

CONTACT SBL SOLUTIONS

Get in touch with SBL Solutions today. Our business’ number one priority is customising our clients’ s to provide the best possible solutions and outcomes for any given scenario. If you’d like to know more about us and our services, simply contact us to start the experience of Australia’s largest and leading service provider in the industry.