Wind Projects

Castlemaine

Future Energy is progressing the development of a wind farm near Castlemaine which has the potential to support up to 20MW of renewable generation. Landholder agreements have been signed and the planning permit application process is now under way.

The site is located in the Mount Alexander Shire, approximately 120 km north west of Melbourne. Being cleared farming land, the site provides easy access for construction and minimum disruption to the local environment. If the wind farm goes ahead, all farming activity will continue unchanged.

Current planning and feasibility studies for the proposal are based on a wind farm of six (6) wind turbines, however as development work progresses this may be amended. Assuming a capacity of 12 MW the wind farm will produce enough energy to power over 6,700 homes.

 Energy and Greenhouse benefits    
Renewable energy production per annum   36,000 MWh
Equivalent number of households   6,754
Greenhouse gas abatement   36,000 tonnes CO2
Equivalent number of cars off the road   8,314
Equivalent number of trees planted   53,731
     
 Specifications    
Turbines 6 x 2 MW wind turbines
Rated Capacity   12 MW
Energy generated annually Approx. 36,000 MWh p.a.
  Approvals    
Fauna   Initial studies in progress
Flora   Initial studies in progress
Noise   Commencing 2010
Heritage   Commencing 2010
Landscape assessment   Commencing 2010
     
Wind resource    
Average wind speed   Approx 8 metres/sec
Source   Expert modeling