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Neoen launches construction of Narrogin Wind Farm in Western Australia after signing PPA with Synergy
Neoen begins construction of its 179 MW Narrogin Wind Farm, expanding its Western Australian renewable energy portfolio to 903 MW.
Neoen has commenced construction of its 179 MW Narrogin Wind Farm in Western Australia
Notices to proceed were provided to Envision Energy and to a consortium of UGL and CPB Contractors
Neoen holds a long-term PPA with Synergy, covering 100% of Narrogin Wind Farm’s output
Neoen’s capacity in Western Australia now totals 903 MW in operation or under construction, representing an investment of over AU$2 billion
Project Overview and Construction
Renewable energy company Neoen has commenced construction of its 179 MW Narrogin Wind Farm after signing a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Synergy for 100% of its generation at the point of connection (168 MW). Synergy is Western Australia’s (WA) largest energy retailer and is owned by the State Government. According to Neoen, the PPA is intended to contribute to Western Australia’s target of achieving 82% renewable generation in the South West Interconnected System by 2030. The project has also been awarded a Capacity Investment Scheme Agreement by the Australian Government. It is Neoen’s fourth major project and first wind farm in WA.
Neoen has provided notices to proceed to turbine manufacturer Envision Energy, and to a consortium of UGL and CPB Contractors (members of the CIMIC Group) for the balance of plant. Located on the country of the Wilman Noongar people near the towns of Narrogin and Williams (200 km southeast of Perth), the wind farm will consist of 23 EN182-7.8 MW turbines and connect into the SWIS network via Western Power’s existing 220 kV transmission line. Neoen estimates that the project could generate electricity equivalent to approximately 3% of annual energy demand in the SWIS, or the annual electricity consumption of nearly 100,000 Western Australian homes.
Employment and Community Initiatives
Narrogin Wind Farm is expected to create over 250 jobs during construction and around 15 permanent roles during operations. Neoen has entered into an agreement with the Shire of Narrogin to prioritise investment in the local housing and services sector and will work together with the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation to deliver meaningful First Nations outcomes. Once Narrogin Wind Farm is operational, it will deliver a neighbour benefit scheme and an annual community benefit-sharing program to support legacy initiatives in WA’s Wheatbelt region.
Neoen’s Western Australian Portfolio
Over the past four years, Neoen has developed or begun construction on 903 MW of renewable generation and storage capacity in Western Australia, representing more than AU$2 billion in investment. Narrogin Wind Farm will be added to the company’s existing 724 MW / 3.1 GWh storage portfolio comprising Collie Battery (two stages, both in operation) and Muchea Battery (under construction).
Jean-Christophe Cheylus, Neoen’s Regional CEO for Australia Pacific, said:
“We are gratefulfor the trust that Synergy and the Government of Western Australia have placed in us, and we are delighted to be joining hands with Envision, UGL and CPB Contractors to build Neoen’s first wind farm on the west coast. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the project’s journey to date – especially our host landowners, the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation and the wider community. Together, we look forward to powering Western Australia’s future with clean & reliable energy.”
Hon Josh Wilson, Australia’s Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, remarked:
“The start of construction of Neoen’s Narrogin Wind Farm is a major step forward for Western Australia’s clean energy future. Awarded a Capacity Scheme Investment Agreement by the Australian Government, this project will help deliver cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy while creating jobs and investment in the Wheatbelt and supporting the State’s transition from coal-fired power. Narrogin Wind Farm is one of the projects that will help power more Western Australian homes and strengthen energy security, while reducing emissions and putting downward pressure on power prices.”
Xavier Barbaro, Neoen’s Group CEO, concluded:
“I would like to congratulate the team on this impressive achievement. Neoen has experienced rapid growth in Western Australia in recent years with storage and we’re excited to be adding wind generation to the mix. This milestone also means Neoen has now developed and delivered more than 10 GW of capacity globally. We intend to further accelerate our growth and our contribution to the energy transition with the aim of doubling our impact to 20 GW by 2030.”
