Perth 27 September 2013. Western Australia’s latest modern renewable energy project, the $200million 22-turbine Mumbida Wind Farm, near Geraldton, was today officially opened by Energy Minister Mike Nahan.Dr Nahan said the 22 wind turbines could produce 55 megawatts of power, which was enough to supply 40,000 average households.
The wind turbines each stand 135m to the top of their blades, about as tall as the Governor Stirling Tower in the Perth CBD.
The Minister said the Liberal National Government had invested significantly in developing a renewable energy hub in the Mid-West to meet its renewable energy target obligations.
“The Mid-West has a substantial wind and solar resource making it attractive for renewable energy projects such as the Mumbida Wind Farm and the nearby Greenough River Solar Farm,” he said.
“This project represents a strategic development model that considers building the right plant in the right location, supports the local community and ensures the risk is shared equally between investors.”
The total output of the Mumbida Wind Farm has been purchased by the Water Corporation to offset the energy requirements of the Southern Seawater Desalination Plant near Bunbury.
The Mumbida Wind Farm is a 50-50 joint venture project involving Verve Energy and Infrastructure Capital Group. The project was completed on budget and provided employment for about 100, mostly local people.
Dr Nahan congratulated the Mid-West community for its support for renewable energy projects.
“The local community has embraced renewable energy projects and the employment and service delivery opportunities their construction and operation provided,” he said.
“The region understands the value, importance and wisdom of tapping into its abundant wind and solar resource for the benefit of the whole State. This is a major renewable energy facility using the most modern wind energy technology.”
The output of the nearby Greenough River Solar Farm - the first commercial-scale solar farm in Australia and a project built by another joint venture involving Verve Energy - is also purchased by the Water Corporation.
Fact File
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Mumbida was constructed by the consortium of Leighton Contractors and General Electric, with the GE wind turbines the first of their kind in Australia
