ACCIONA Energia launched the nation's biggest wind farm project set to build 400 turbines in the Wheatbelt

The Wheatbelt could soon be home to Australia’s most ambitious wind farm project with a renewable energy company announcing plans to place hundreds of wind turbines on farmland in the region. ACCIONA Energia has entered the first stages of developing the nation’s first 3-gigawatt wind farm consisting of about 400 6.2-megawatt turbines across 100,000 hectares of Arthur River, Wagin, Williams, and Narrogin. The Bellwether Wind Farm will be strategically located along the proposed Clean Energy Link East transmission line around Darkan, Arthur River and Tarwonga. The company estimates surrounding communities will benefit from up to $1 billion in extra cash during Bellwether’s construction, which could start as soon as 2028 subject to planning and environmental approvals. The operation will also provide about 400 long-term construction jobs and more than 100 ongoing full-time roles. The company lists the project’s other benefits as providing drought-resistant incomes to farmers, creating new business opportunities, and providing decarbonised power to existing businesses. The company is aware that the project would impact paddock space and aesthetics, but ACCIONA Energia managing director Brett Wickham said they plan to work closely with farmers. “We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response from farmers across the region interested in hosting turbines on their properties and the stability that new fixed and secure incomes can bring”. “While the project’s final size takes shape over time we want to work now with the shires, stakeholders and locals to develop a project that can be supported by, and integrate with, the local community. “We’re proud that this project can help support regional workers and provide long-term, well-paid employment and career opportunities.” The company is holding four information sessions on the Bellwether Wind Farm throughout October in Darkan, Williams, Wagin, and Arthur River for farmers with properties in the proposed area. ACCIONA Energia Western Australia general manager Jeff Nitsch said they are “currently gathering detailed wind data” and an environmental field survey is under way. “This work helps us understand the area in a much more detailed way as we start to develop a clearer picture of the project and the area,” he said.