In 2023, GeelongPort will partner with one of Australia’s clean energy market leaders, Vestas, to help deliver Australia’s largest wind farm.
Once operational, the first stage of the Golden Plains Wind Farm will generate enough clean energy to power approximately 450,000 homes a year and prevent more than 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted to the atmosphere each year.
GeelongPort will provide critical port and laydown infrastructure for 122 Vestas EnVentus wind turbines at the 756 MW development, which is set to be Australia’s largest wind farm based in Rokewood, Victoria.
With the first sod of the project turned last month, GeelongPort CEO Brett Winter said the port was thrilled to play a key role supporting such a significant renewables project for Australia.
“GeelongPort has a long-standing relationship with Vestas and we look forward to partnering with them again on this nation-building project,” he said.
“Through this project, we look forward to continuing to deliver environmental and economic benefits to the south-west region of Victoria as well as supporting the Victorian Government’s transition to renewable energy.”
Since 2018, GeelongPort has facilitated the berthing and laydown of more than two million tonnes of critical wind farm cargo. This specialist support has included the laydown and storage of state-of-the-art turbine components for Vestas wind farms in Yawong, Timboon West, Elaine and Yendon.
“Vestas is pleased to partner with GeelongPort to deliver components for the Golden Plains Wind Farm,” said Danny Nielsen, Senior Vice President and Country Head, Vestas Australia & New Zealand.
“GeelongPort’s expertise and unique solutions make them an invaluable partner. Their strategic location, critical infrastructure, and extensive experience will be instrumental in helping us accomplish our goals for this vital project,” he said.
GeelongPort expects to receive the first shipment of wind turbines in September 2023.
The first stage of the project is expected to start producing green energy in 2024 and be completed in the second half of 2025.
This collaboration is another step in GeelongPort’s commitment to supporting Victoria’s transition to clean energy and creating valuable jobs for regional Victoria.
Vestas wind turbine at an onshore wind farm in Australia.
Laydown of wind farm equipment at GeelongPort’s Lascelles Wharf.