AGL Energy Limited (AGL) today announced the 200 MW Silverton wind farm in western New South Wales (NSW) is set to proceed to construction having achieved financial close on the sale of the project to the Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF).

AGL’s Silverton wind farm project manager, Adam Mackett said this was great news for the approximately $450 million project, which will provide a significant economic investment to the local region.

“Achieving financial close on the development of the Silverton wind farm is a major project milestone and we are very thankful for the support we have received from the local community during the development phase.

“Up to 150 jobs will be created during the peak of construction and we are excited about developing another project in the local area following the successful completion of the Broken Hill solar plant.

“The Silverton wind farm project is PARF’s first greenfield renewable development which further strengthens AGL’s credentials as Australia’s largest investor, developer and operator of renewables,” Mr Mackett said.

The PARF is a partnership between AGL, QIC and Future Fund, which is targeting the development of approximately 1,000 MW of large-scale renewable energy projects. 

AGL has also named a joint venture consisting of GE and CATCON as the successful tenderer for the engineering, procurement construction of the wind farm. AGL and GE/CATCON will develop the Silverton wind farm, which is targeted to be fully operational by the middle of 2018.

Further details will be discussed at the Silverton CCC meeting to be held this evening from 6pm-8pm at the Silverton Youth Hall, Silverton Road. Mr Mackett encouraged local residents to attend to be updated on the project’s next steps, ask questions, and learn more about potential employment and business opportunities.

The 200 MW Silverton wind farm will produce approximately 780,000 MWh of renewable energy annually, which can power more than 137,000 average Australian homes. The renewable energy produced from the wind farm’s 58 turbines will reduce CO₂ emissions by 655,000 tonnes annually, which is the equivalent of taking 192,000 cars off the road each year.

About AGL
AGL is one of Australia’s leading integrated energy companies. It is taking action to responsibly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while providing secure and affordable energy to its customers. Drawing on over 175 years of experience, AGL serves its customers throughout eastern Australia with meeting their energy requirements, including gas, electricity, solar PV and related products and services. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, solar, landfill gas and biomass.