Synergy to underpin $750m wind farm

The state government has authorised electricity retailer Synergy to buy power from the planned $750 million Collgar wind farm in the Wheatbelt, underpinning the development of one of the largest wind farms in the country.

Energy Minister Peter Collier announced today that Synergy will be allowed to purchase power from Collgar, located near Merredin, over a 15 year period.

Collgar is a joint venture between international specialist banking group Investec Bank and Windlab Systems, which was spun out of the CSIRO in 2003.

The wind farm will comprise of 111 wind turbines that will generate enough energy to power more than 125,000 homes every year.

Up to 200 jobs will be created during construction phase, with ongoing jobs for up to 20 people once construction is completed, expected by August 2011.

Mr Collier said Collgar will increase the total renewable energy generation in the South West Interconnected System from 5 per cent to 8.9 per cent.

"With a total capacity of 206MW, this will be WA's largest renewable energy project," he said.

"This wind farm will ensure we avoid more than 700,000 tonnes of greenhouse emissions going into the atmosphere every year of its operation."

Mr Collier added that Collgar will help the state achieve the national renewable energy target of 20 per cent by 2020.

Early works at Collgar started in November and earlier this year the Economic Regulation Authority invited the public to lodge submissions regarding the wind farm.

The wind farm already has approval from the Merredin council.