A MOUNT Gambier based plantations company is set to be thrown onto the national renewable energy map amid plans for a $1b wind farm and battery storage project on its land.
The proposed 900MW green energy facility will be the first in Australia to be located within an actively managed and harvested commercial pine forest.
It is estimated the massive project will bring a $1b investment to the greater region with an economic windfall expected to flow to regional contractors and service companies within the Mount Gambier and Portland region.
The massive cutting edge renewable project is expected to showcase how turbines can be incorporated into the region’s commercial radiata pine estates.
Located mainly in pine plantation owned by Mount Gambier plantation company Green Triangle Forest Products (GTFP), Kentbruck Green Power Hub will span a staggering 30km between Nelson and Portland.
The project – foreshadowed by French power company Neoen – has foreshadowed the use of turbines that will tower well above the plantations.
Green Triangle Forest Products managing director Laurie Hein said the company was pleased work with Neoen on its proposed project at Kentbruck.
“We believe it will benefit the local community and provide clean, renewable energy on a national scale,” Mr Hein said.
He indicated the project was expected to generate significant economic spin-offs for the greater region, including Mount Gambier.
Mr Hein said Neoen foreshadowed it would have a strong preference towards regional contractors and service providers where possible.
Describing the project as “exciting”, he said significant planning was being undertaken by the proponents to get the renewable energy hub off the ground.
Regarding the risk of fire given the turbines proposed location, Mr Hein said the turbine’s blades would be at least 30m above the plantations and the two industries could “co-exist”.
“The fire management will be equal to or better to our current fire standards,” the forestry industry veteran said.
He mooted greater fire suppression capacity, including additional aerial firefighting capabilities.
Mr Hein said plantation estates were particularly attractive for wind turbine developers given the proponents could have access to large areas of land with one landowner.
Importantly, he said the industry gave plantation owners another income stream and a link with the renewable energy projects given the move away from coal.
“We have been impressed with Neoen’s thorough approach to planning for this project, providing GTFP with confidence the project will properly address any concerns that we and other community stakeholders may have,” Mr Hein said.
Neoen has a proven track record in developing and operating large-scale renewable energy projects in Australia, including the world’s largest lithium-ion battery in Hornsdale, South Australia.
“While we are still in the early stages of the project, Neoen’s policy is to maintain an open and consistent dialogue with local councils, communities and neighbours from the very beginning,” Neoen Australia managing director Franck Woitiez.
“At Neoen, all our projects aim to protect, retain and restore natural resources and the environment.”
As part of environment impact studies for the Kentbruck project, the proponents will enlist independent experts and consultants to carry out detailed ecological assessments to ensure the proposed development does not threaten or destroy surrounding fauna during and after construction.
Neoen boasts the country’s largest fully operational photovoltaic facility in Coleambally, New South Wales.
According to Neoen, the company “always” abides by all planning guidelines and works closely with local and state authorities to ensure there is “minimal impact on the surrounding communities”.
In addition to delivering sustainable, reliable and competitive electricity to Australians, its 11 projects currently in operation or under construction across the country have also benefited regional communities through local economic stimulation and jobs creation.
Public drop-in sessions will provide the local community with details of the project and an opportunity to raise any questions around the proposed development.
The public drop-in sessions follow initial consultations with neighbours and the local council and serve to inform the community on the assessment process and to receive feedback on the project.
“The community information sessions with the people of Portland and Nelson will allow us to share more details on our proposed development and address any potential concerns early on,” Mr Woitiez said.
The community drop in sessions will be held this Monday at Nelson between 2pm and 7pm at the CFA Hall.
Meanwhile, the Portland session will be held next Tuesday between 2pm and 7pm at the Portland Library.
