Powering South Australia
The Mt Millar Wind Farm was the first wind farm in South Australia to use Enercon E-70 2MW direct drive turbines (don't have gearboxes). It connects to ElectraNet’s existing transmission network at Yadnarie Substation, via a 33 km 132 kV overhead transmission line and substation.
Construction of this wind farm started in late 2004 and was completed in December 2005. Power production started in February 2006. The $130 million project was developed by Tarong Energy.
The wind farm can generate up to 70 megawatts (MW) of electricity and provide enough energy to meet the needs of about 36,000 typical households, offsetting approximately 168,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) a year.
The wind farm is owned by Mt Millar Wind Farm Pty Ltd, which is wholly owned by Australian Renewables Income Fund and is under management by Foresight Group Australia.
Australian Renewables Income Fund is a wholesale unlisted unit trust.
Key Dates
- Commenced Construction October 2004
- Construction Completion December 2005
- Generation Commencement February 2006
- Full Commissioning March 2009
Location
The Mt Millar Wind Farm is situated on an escarpment between the towns of Cowell and Cleve on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. The 35 wind turbines are positioned on the elongated Mt Millar site (about 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) in length) to maximise wind exposure.
Who owns Mt Millar Wind Farm?
The wind farm is owned by Mt Millar Wind Farm Pty Ltd, which is wholly owned by Australian Renewables Income Fund.
Australian Renewables Income Fund is a wholesale unlisted unit trust.
Project Summary
| Location | Eyre Peninsula, South Australia |
| Turbines | 35 Enercon E-70 2MW |
| Installed Capacity | 70 MW |
| Hub Height | 85m |
| Rotor Diameter | 71m |
| Energy Production | 170,000 MWh Annually |
| Fully Commissioned | 2009 |
| Owner | Australian Renewables Income Fund |