Central West wind farm to power nearly half a million homes

The Albanese Government has approved another new wind farm in New South Wales’ Central West, unlocking another 943 megawatts (MW) of clean energy generation capacity.

Located near Coolah in Warrumbungle Shire, the Valley of the Winds Wind Farm is the 102nd renewable energy project approved by the Albanese Government. It has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.5 million tonnes a year, the equivalent of taking around 955,000 cars off the road annually.

Approved in just 38 days by the Albanese Government, following an assessment by the New South Wales Government under a bilateral agreement.

The project will support up to 400 jobs during construction, as well as 50 during ongoing operation.

The project consists of 131 wind turbines paired with a 320 MW battery facility.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said that the project was an example of how renewable energy projects can exist alongside agriculture.

“The Valley of the Winds project will generate jobs and investment for the Coolah community – all without impacting on neighbouring grazing and cropping activities.

“Through the planning process the proponent listened to community feedback and modified the layout and scale of the facility, to minimise the impact on nearby farms.

“This project is proof that renewable projects can work for regional communities by securing new, local jobs, while ensuring that agriculture can still thrive.

"While the Coalition continues to debate whether climate change is real, their own communities are getting on with the transition to cheaper, cleaner energy.

“The Albanese Government has now approved more than 100 renewable projects which will together deliver cheap, clean, and reliable power to all Australians.”