Tilt Renewables has confirmed it will begin construction this year on the 288-megawatt Palmer Wind Farm, located 70 kilometres east of Adelaide, after giving the long-planned project the green light.
The Australian-owned renewable energy developer says the wind farm will be capable of generating up to 288MW of clean power – enough to supply electricity to as many as 142,000 homes. The project has been in development for more than a decade and has evolved through extensive planning to reduce environmental and community impacts.
Chief Executive Officer Anthony Fowler described the investment decision as a major milestone for the company, marking the second wind farm project approved in recent weeks. He said South Australia’s strong renewable energy credentials made Palmer an ideal location, with excellent wind resources, proximity to existing transmission infrastructure and cleared farmland where grazing can continue alongside turbines.
Fowler said technological advances have allowed the number of turbines to be reduced from 103 to 40 without limiting the wind farm’s output, cutting the area affected by development.
The company also highlighted anticipated benefits for local communities and First Nations people, with more than $13 million committed through community benefit programs.
Tilt Renewables noted the project is supported by a Commonwealth Capacity Investment Scheme Agreement and underpinned by a long-term power purchase agreement with AGL. The company thanked key partners including turbine manufacturer Vestas, principal contractor BMD and ElectraNet, and said it will finalise construction plans in the coming months with work expected to start mid-year.