New Riverina wind farm to power nearly 600,000 homes

The Albanese Government has approved another new wind farm, located in the Riverina region of New South Wales which will generate enough energy to power around 590,000 homes.

The approval of the Pottinger Wind Farm – the 107th renewable energy project approved by the Albanese Government - under national environment law comes with strict conditions to minimise its potential environmental impacts and follows a rigorous assessment process.

Located between Hay and Deniliquin, the wind farm will generate 1,300 Megawatts (MW) of electricity and has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to removing more than a million cars off the road each year.

Power from the site’s 247 wind turbines will feed a 500 MW battery energy storage system, ensuring that the wind farm’s clean, cheap and affordable power is available for later use.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the project is a great example of how renewable energy projects can benefit regional communities.

“Not only will this project deliver clean, cheap, and reliable power to the Riverina and surrounds, but it will also improve infrastructure and increase jobs and investment in the local community.

“During construction, the project will support up to 900 jobs with a further 50 created to support ongoing operations.

“As part of the project, the proponent will upgrade and improve roads in Hay, Conargo, and Broken Hill to allow for the transport of project components, which will also directly benefit the local communities and businesses who use those roads every day.

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

“Since 2022, the Albanese Government has given the green light to more than 100 renewable energy projects – enough to power every home in Australia.”