Stage one of the Flat Rocks Wind Farm in Western Australia has hit a project milestone with more than half of the 18 wind turbines now in place.
The wind farm is part of a power purchase agreement (PPA) between diversified major BHP and Enel renewable energy company Green Power, part of the Enel Group.
Once complete, Flat Rocks Wind Farm Stage 1 will provide enough renewable energy to fully power our Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter and Kambalda Concentrator each year, based on current requirements.
Nickel West asset president Jess Farrell recently joined members of the Nickel West Energy team and representatives from Enel Green Power – its partner on the project – to see the progress.
Farrell said it was impressive to see the scale of the wind turbines and the co-existence of power generation and agricultural activities.
“When they are complete each wind turbine reaches 200 m in height, but their small footprint allows for farming and other activities to continue around them,” she said.
“This is especially impressive given the wind farm will provide renewable energy to our operations equivalent to the entire annual electricity consumption at the Kalgoorlie Nickel smelter and Kambalda concentrator each year.
“It was also great to see the community engagement approach by Enel Green Power, including the local Community Information Centre and recently launched Community Fund. We even have the turbines being named by local schools and community groups.”
Nickel West has signed an initial 12-year PPA with Enel Green Power for 100% of the energy produced at Flat Rocks Wind Farm Stage 1, with options to extend.
“We are committed to finding ways to reduce emissions from our operations which is why we are investing in renewable energy projects like Flat Rocks Wind Farm Stage 1,” Farrell said.
“I am very excited to see this project coming along so well and look forward to its completion.”
Construction of the remaining turbines will be completed in the coming months with commissioning and electrification expected in early 2024.