Wind energy is one of Australia’s biggest renewable energy sources alongside solar and hydropower. And while we might’ve all seen a wind turbine or two whilst driving around in the outback, not all of us would be able to explain how it works outside of just giant spinning blades.
If you’re looking to brush up on your wind power knowledge and where to find wind farms in Australia, read on to find out more in this Canstar Blue guide – we’ve made it a breeze.
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How does wind power work?
Wind power is generated through wind turbines, where kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy. The propellers at the top of the tower catch the wind’s currents, which then spin gears connected to a generator. The generator is the final step, converting the power into electricity. It’s more common than not to see wind farms in high places simply due to there being more wind at higher elevations, with many wind turbines having a build height of up to 160 metres.
How many wind turbines are in Australia?
As of 2023, there are currently more than 300 wind farm projects currently in operation, under construction or proposed in Australia, according to the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner. However, this tally is only accounting projects that are bigger than one megawatt (MV) so it is possible that there may be more smaller projects in operation outside this number.
When it comes to generation capacity, the Clean Energy Council (CEC) found that wind energy generated 29,891,946MW of electricity in 2022, which accounted for 35.6% of Australia’s renewable energy generation mix that year – the largest renewable energy source. In terms of the total energy generation mix, wind energy was responsible for 12.8% of Australia’s energy in 2022, which the CEC claims was the equivalent of powering more than 6.5 million households in a year.
Below we have the listed the specifics regarding wind farms in Australia, breaking them down by state, ownership and generation capacity.
Wind Farms in New South Wales
In NSW there are currently 16 operational wind farms with a generation capacity higher than 1MW. A further three farms are said to be under construction as of 2023, with an additional 49 projects proposed for the state. We have listed the operational projects and their generation below.
| Project | Ownership | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Hampton | Wind Corporation | 1.32MW |
| Crookwell | Tilt Renewables | 4.8MW |
| Blayney | Tilt Renewables | 9.9MW |
| Cullerin Range | EDCL | 30MW |
| Gunning Wind | Acciona | 46.5MW |
| Crookwell 2 | Naturgy | 91MW |
| Taralga | Pacific Hydro | 107MW |
| Biala | Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy | 108.5MW |
| Bocco Rock | Electricity Generating Public Company | 113MW |
| Crudine Range | Squadron Energy | 135MW |
| Gullen Range | Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy | 165.5MW |
| White Rock Wind Farm Stage 1 | CECEP Wind Power Corporation | 175MW |
| Silverton | Tilt Renewables | 200MW |
| Collector | RATCH Group | 228MW |
| Bango | Squadron Energy | 244MW |
| Sapphire | Squadron Energy | 270MW |
Source: ecogeneration Wind Map of Australia 2023, Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
Wind Farms in Victoria
Victoria arguably has the largest number of wind farms in action, with 40 operational wind farms with a generation capacity higher than 1MW. A further three farms are said to be under construction as of 2023, with an additional 39 projects proposed for the state. We have listed the operational projects and their generation below.
| Project | Ownership | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Hepburn | Hepburn Community Wind Park | 4.1MW |
| Chepstowe | BayWe re | 6.15MW |
| Maroona | BayWe re | 6.9MW |
| Timboon West | Epic Energy | 7.2MW |
| Nhill | BayWe re | 7.4MW |
| Ferguson | BayWe re | 10.8MW |
| Wonthaggi | EDCL | 12MW |
| Codrington | Pacific Hydro | 18.2MW |
| Mortons Lane | CGN Wind Energy | 19.5MW |
| Coonooer Bridge | Squadron Energy | 19.8MW |
| Toora | Transfield Holdings | 21MW |
| Cape Nelson North | Pacific Hydro | 22.5MW |
| Cape Sir William Grant | Pacific Hydro | 24.7MW |
| Yaloak South | Pacific Hydro | 28.7MW |
| Yambuk | Pacific Hydro | 30MW |
| Kiata | Atmos Renewables | 31.5MW |
| Cape Nelson South | Pacific Hydro | 44MW |
| Challicum Hills | Pacific Hydro | 52.5MW |
| Salt Creek | Tilt Renewables | 54MW |
| Cherry Tree | John Laing | 57.6MW |
| Cape Bridgewater | Pacific Hydro | 59MW |
| Oaklands Hills | Challenger Life | 63MW |
| Berrimal | Acciona | 72MW |
| Crowlands | Pacific Hydro | 80MW |
| Lal Lal (Elaine) | Northleaf Capital Partners | 83.59MW |
| Bald Hills | Infrastructure Capital Group | 109MW |
| Mount Mercer | Meridian Energy | 131MW |
| Mt Gellibrand | Acciona | 132MW |
| Lal Lal (Yendon) | Northleaf Capital Partners | 144MW |
| Mortlake South | Acciona | 157.5MW |
| Berrybank Stage 1 | Naturgy | 180MW |
| Waubra | Acciona | 192MW |
| Bulgana Green Power Hub | Neoen | 194MW |
| Murrawarra Stage 2 | Squadron Energy | 209MW |
| Murrawarra Stage 1 | Squadron Energy | 226MW |
| Ararat | OPTrust | 240MW |
| Moorabool | Xinjiang Goldwind Science and Technology | 312MW |
| Dundonnell | Tilt Renewables | 336MW |
| Macarthur | HRL Morrison | 420MW |
| Stockyard Hill | Goldwind | 530MW |
Source: ecogeneration Wind Map of Australia 2023, Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
Wind Farms in Queensland
QLD’s wind farm developments are still largely underway, with only five operational wind farms with a generation capacity higher than 1MW in 2023. There are at least another 39 projects proposed for the state however, with a further four farms already under construction.
| Project | Ownership | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Windy Hill | RATCH Group | 12MW |
| Kennedy Energy Park | Squadron Energy | 43.2MW |
| Kaban Green Power Hub | Neoen | 157MW |
| Mt Emerald | RATCH Group | 180.5MW |
| Coopers Gap | Tilt Renewables | 453MW |
Source: ecogeneration Wind Map of Australia 2023, Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
Wind Farms in South Australia
In SA there are currently 21 operational wind farms with a generation capacity higher than 1MW. The state has one farm under construction and a further 17 projects proposed. We have listed the operational projects and their generation below.
| Project | Ownership | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Coober Pedy Renewable Hybrid Project | EDCL | 4MW |
| Starfish Hill | RATCH Group | 34.5MW |
| Canunda | ENGIE | 46MW |
| Hallett 5 Wind Farm | AGL Energy | 52.5MW |
| Clements Gap | Pacific Hydro | 58MW |
| Cathedral Rocks | EnergyAustralia | 66MW |
| Mt Millar | Meridian Energy | 70MW |
| Hallet 2 Wind Farm | Infrastructure Capital Group | 71MW |
| Lincoln Gap Stage 2 | Nexif Energy | 86MW |
| Wattle Point | Infrastructure Capital Group | 90.75MW |
| Hallet 1 Wind Farm | Palisade Investment Partners | 94.5MW |
| Hornsdale Wind Farm Stage 1 | Neoen | 100MW |
| Snowtown Stage 1 | Tilt Renewables | 101MW |
| Hornsdale Wind Farm Stage 2 | Neoen | 102.4MW |
| Hornsdale Wind Farm Stage 3 | Neoen | 112MW |
| Willogoleche | ENGIE | 119MW |
| Lincoln Gap Stage 1 | Nexif Energy | 126MW |
| Waterloo | Palisade Investment Partners | 131MW |
| Hallet 4 Wind Farm | Osaka Gas | 132MW |
| Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park | Iberbrola | 210MW |
| Snowtown Stage 2 | Palisade Investment Partners | 270MW |
Source: ecogeneration Wind Map of Australia 2023, Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
Wind Farms in Western Australia
In WA there are currently 20 operational wind farms with a generation capacity higher than 1MW. The state has one farm under construction and a further 31 projects proposed. We have listed the operational projects and their generation below.
| Project | Ownership | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Hopetoun | Synergy | 1.2MW |
| Hopetown Wind-Diesel Hybrid | Verve Energy | 1.2MW |
| Denmark Community | Denmark Community | 1.6MW |
| Kalbarri | Synergy | 1.6MW |
| Ten Mile Lagoon | Synergy | 2MW |
| Mt Barker | Mt Barker Power | 2.4MW |
| Port Gregory | Advanced Energy Resources | 2.5MW |
| Nine Mile | Synergy | 3.6MW |
| Karakin Wind Farm | Blair Fox | 5MW |
| West Hills Wind Farm | Blair Fox | 5MW |
| Esperance Hybrid Project | Pacific Energy | 9MW |
| Grasmere Wind Farm | Bright Energy Investments | 14MW |
| Agnew Mine Hybrid Project | Energy Developments | 18MW |
| Albany | Bright Energy Investments | 21MW |
| Mumbida | Infrastructure Capital Group | 55MW |
| Emu Downs Wind | APA | 80MW |
| Badgingarra | APA | 130MW |
| Warradarge | DIF Capital Partners | 180MW |
| Collgar | Rest | 206MW |
| Yandin Wind Farm | RATCH Group | 214MW |
Source: ecogeneration Wind Map of Australia 2023, Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
Wind Farms in Tasmania
Much like QLD, Tasmania is still building out its portfolio of wind projects, with just five currently operational with a generation capacity higher than 1MW. There are 12 more wind farm projects proposed for the island state with one under construction as of 2023. We have listed the operational projects and their generation below.
| Project | Ownership | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Bluff Point | Woolnorth | 65MW |
| Studland Bay | Woolnorth | 75MW |
| Granville Harbour | Palisade Investment Partners | 112MW |
| Wild Cattle Hill | Power Construction Corporation of China | 144MW |
| Musselroe | Woolnorth | 168MW |
Source: ecogeneration Wind Map of Australia 2023, Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
Compare electricity plans with GreenPower add-on options
Looking to help support renewable energy generation in Australia? You might be interested in GreenPower options for your energy usage. This is a government-back program that helps to incorporate energy generated from renewable sources, such as wind farms, into the electricity grid. GreenPower is offered as an opt-in program and typically comes at an additional cost to consumers. Below we have listed some of the cheapest plans in market that also offer GreenPower opt-ins. Please note, the estimated price may not include the cost of GreenPower. Always confirm with the retailer directly before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that have a GreenPower option and include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The annual cost estimates for the plans below may not include the cost of GreenPower. The extra cost of GreenPower may vary between retailers.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that have a GreenPower option and include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The annual cost estimates for the plans below may not include the cost of GreenPower. The extra cost of GreenPower may vary between retailers.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that have a GreenPower option and include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The annual cost estimates for the plans below may not include the cost of GreenPower. The extra cost of GreenPower may vary between retailers.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that have a GreenPower option and include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The annual cost estimates for the plans below may not include the cost of GreenPower. The extra cost of GreenPower may vary between retailers.
Can I sign up for wind power for my home?
The short answer is no. Power is generated through a range of avenues such as coal burning, solar panels and hydropower plants, which all feed into the grid to bring us electricity. And while you can help to support renewable energy generation by purchasing GreenPower opt-ins from eligible electricity providers, unless you are 100% off-grid for your power usage, the electricity you source from the grid will be a combination of all generation sources that feed into the grid.
You don’t need a wind-only system to save on electricity costs though. If you’re keen to slash those energy costs, follow the link below to see if you could be saving money on your bills with a cheaper power plan.
Image credits: Mimadeo/shutterstock.com, thehub.agl.com.au, imagevixen/shutterstock.com
Original Author: Monika Gudova
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