Neoen has commenced construction on its first wind farm in WA (Western Australia) following its long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Synergy for the project’s full generation output.

The 179 MW Narrogin Wind Farm, located near Narrogin and Williams in WA’s Wheatbelt, will supply 168 MW (megawatt) at the point of connection under the agreement with the State Government-owned energy retailer. The project has also secured a Capacity Investment Scheme Agreement from the Federal Government.

The wind farm will feature 23 Envision Energy EN182-7.8 MW turbines and connect to the South West Interconnected System through Western Power’s existing 220 kilovolt transmission network. Once operational, it is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to meet around three per cent of the SWIS’s annual electricity demand. This is the equivalent to powering almost 100,000 homes.

Neoen has issued notices to proceed to turbine supplier Envision Energy and a consortium comprising UGL and CPB Contractors, members of the CIMIC Group, which will deliver the balance of plant works.

The project is expected to create more than 250 construction jobs and around 15 ongoing operational roles.

Neoen has also established agreements aimed at delivering long-term regional benefits. The company will work with the Shire of Narrogin to prioritise investment in local housing and services, while partnering with the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation to support First Nations outcomes. Once operational, the wind farm will also fund a neighbour benefit scheme and an annual community benefit-sharing program for the Wheatbelt region.

The project expands Neoen’s renewable energy portfolio in Western Australia to 903 MW either operating or under construction, representing more than AU$2 billion of investment. It will complement the company’s 724 MW / 3.1 GWh battery portfolio, which includes both stages of the Collie Battery and the Muchea Battery currently under construction.

Jean-Christophe Cheylus, Regional Chief Executive Officer (Australia-Pacific) at Neoen shared that the project represented another milestone in the company’s expansion across Western Australia.

“We are grateful for the trust that Synergy and the Government of Western Australia have placed in us, and we are delighted to be joining hands with Envision, UGL and CPB Contractors to build Neoen’s first wind farm on the west coast,” he said.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the project’s journey to date – especially our host landowners, the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation and the wider community. Together, we look forward to powering Western Australia’s future with clean and reliable energy.”

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, shared that the project would support the State’s transition away from coal-fired generation while strengthening energy security.

“The start of construction of Neoen’s Narrogin Wind Farm is a major step forward for Western Australia’s clean energy future,” Assistant Minister Wilson said.

“Awarded a Capacity Investment Scheme Agreement by the Australian Government, this project will help deliver cleaner, cheaper and more reliable energy while creating jobs and investment in the Wheatbelt.”

Xavier Barbaro, Chief Executive Officer at Neoen Group, shared that the milestone also marked the company’s delivery of more than 10 GW of renewable energy capacity globally, with ambitions to double that figure to 20 GW by 2030.

For more information about the launch of contruction on Narrogin Wind Farm, visit the Neoen website.