The first shipment of wind turbine components has arrived at GeelongPort after a partnership was secured with global renewable energy company, Vestas. With a presence in 79 countries, Vestas designs, manufactures, installs and services wind turbines across the globe, bringing the world sustainable energy solutions to power a brighter future.
The partnership sees GeelongPort provide berthing, facilities and a large parcel of land for the storage of wind turbines destined for regional wind farm projects.
“GeelongPort has provided Vestas with over 40,000m2 of laydown area located at Corio Quay South. Our facilities, coupled with simplified and flexible freight connections, offer Vestas the ability to handle large-scale wind farm projects through the port”, Brett Winter, CEO of GeelongPort said.
“With Governments now focused on setting clear, long-term renewable energy targets, wind energy is becoming increasingly vital and a market in which GeelongPort can support. We are a critical link in the renewable energy supply chain.”, Mr Winter said.
The shipment is bound for Yawong Wind Farm in western Victoria and Timboon West Wind Farm in southwest Victoria, each featuring Vestas V126-3.6 MW turbines and capable of powering 4,500 households. The wind farms will be the seventh and eighth Vestas projects in Victoria.
“Vestas is committed to creating local jobs and supporting the Victorian government’s ambitious renewable target for Australia’s clean energy future”, said Peter Cowling, Head of Vestas Australia and New Zealand.
“With world class facilities to support our regional projects, we are honored to partner with GeelongPort” said Cowling.
In addition to components for Yawong and Timboon West, GeelongPort will also provide Vestas with facilities to support their operations to unload and store turbine components for the Lal Lal Wind Farm located on land at Elaine and Yendon within Moorabool Shire.
“GeelongPort is committed to environmental sustainability and our partnership with Vestas will deliver environmental and economic benefits to the region by generating clean energy”, Mr Winter said.