Ararat Windfarm in Begins Phase I Construction in Victoria, Australia

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources Australia (Perth, Australia)--Renewable Energy Systems Australia Pty Limited (Sydney, Australia) recently received planning approval to construct the 250-megawatt (MW) Ararat windfarm, which was proposed by the company in 2007. The Ararat site was identified as the best location, because it lies on high ground and has strong winds.

RES selected civil and mining contractor Miller Contractors Pty Limited (Victoria, Australia) to undertake Phase I of the project. Miller Contractors started early construction on Phase I in September 2013, which included road works and site preparation. RES expects to receive all the final approvals, including the finalization of commercial arrangements, by end of the year. At that time, the site works will be complete. Phase II of the project, which will involve major construction, is expected to begin by mid- or late 2014.

The Ararat windfarm will involve the installation of up to 75 turbines, rated at 3.3 MW each, to produce enough electricity for up to 123,000 average Victorian households per annum. The proposal will generate a $450 million investment within the region.

As part of the proposal, RES will construct a 20-kilometer, 132-kilovolt (kV) transmission line and substation to transmit the electricity from the windfarm. The transmission line will connect to the existing 132/220-kV Ballarat-to-Horsham line at Easter Brooks Lane, Elmhurst.

RES has selected the primary contractor for the project, which is currently finalizing subcontractors for the windfarm. The turbine supplier has been finalized, and the turbines are expected to arrive on site by late next year.

Total construction on the windfarm will take approximately 24 months, with operations to begin by early 2017.

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