Overview
Neoen has been selected by Forestry Corporation to investigate the potential to develop a wind farm in its pine plantation in southern NSW’s Bondo region. Read the media release.
The aim is to investigate the opportunity for a wind farm which can power homes with clean energy, strengthen regional prosperity, and make a significant contribution to the state’s energy transition.
The project will go through all necessary government planning processes and will require Development Approval from the NSW Government. We are planning to submit a scoping report to NSW Government in early 2025.
Watch this video to find out about the process of creating a wind farm.
Click map to enlarge
Location
The area being investigated is within the softwood plantations near Bondo, approximately 20-kms east of Tumut.
Located in a strong part of the electricity network, the site has three existing transmission lines running through it.
The investigation area falls within the boundaries of Snowy Valley Council, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council and Yass Valley Council.
The below map is indicative only and shows the buildable area in green where turbines could be positioned. Optimisations will be carried out to assess access and constructability, while aiming for the best wind resource locations.
We aim to provide a turbine layout for the next community event, likely to be in early 2025.
Combining forestry and wind
The Bondo plantations are suitable for a potential wind farm because they have: a strong wind resource, three existing transmission lines, and a large network of existing roads.
Only a relatively small area of the plantation land would be used for the wind farm and development will not occur in native forests.
Learn more about the NSW Government’s decision to allow renewable energy projects in its softwood plantations.
Neoen is an experienced owner & operator of renewable energy assets across Australia. The company also operates wind farms in the forests of Finland and Sweden.
Bushfire prevention and management
Neoen takes fire mitigation and safety very seriously on all its projects.
As a long-term owner and operator of renewable energy projects, we work with the local rural fire service from the early stages of development to construction and operation.
Our projects involve building new infrastructure and we are committed to ensuring that in doing so, we do not put unnecessary additional pressure on valuable local resources (such as fire fighting) or bring
unmitigated risk to the natural environment and communities surrounding our project sites.
Project Lifecycle
1
Site Selection
In May 2024, Forestry Corporation awards Neoen a permit to investigate the feasibility to develop a wind farm on its pine plantation estate in the Bondo region of southern NSW. A competitive government tender process was conducted to identify a suitable partner.
2
Feasibility
We create preliminary designs and initiate feasibility studies to identify site constraints. We commence early engagement with Traditional Owners, neighbours, local councils and the community, and we will hold community information sessions locally.
- We Are Here
3
Planning & Approvals
Extensive studies & surveys are undertaken to create detailed project design before submitting a Development Application (DA) to the NSW Government. Ongoing community and governmental consultations help refine project plans. We initiate grid connection enquiries.
4
Post-Development Approval
If the DA is approved, we begin a procurement process to identify a construction partner. The application to secure grid connection is underway & we initiate discussions with potential energy customers.
5
Pre-Construction
We appoint our construction partner. Connection agreements & energy contracts are finalised; focus shifts to securing financing from lenders. A networking session is held for local jobseekers, suppliers & businesses to discuss upcoming opportunities.
6
Construction
The site mobilises, local suppliers & jobseekers are appointed, and civil, mechanical & electrical works commence. The project becomes a reality as the construction team builds and commissions the asset.
7
Operations
We will maintain the wind farm for at least 30 years to ensure strong energy generation & revenue optimisation. Our community benefit-sharing program begins contributing to local initiatives.
8
Decommissioning or Site Renewal
We decide on whether to continue operations or decommission the site. New construction works or site rehabilitation is undertaken.
News
Neoen has been contributing to Australia’s energy transition with 100% renewable energy since 2012.
With a balanced portfolio of wind, solar and big battery projects, we are aiming to achieve 10 GW by 2030. We own and operate all of the projects we build (rather than developing them to be sold) and as long-term neighbours we are committed to sharing the benefits with surrounding communities.
This dedication to community and environment has made us a renewable energy developer of choice in Australia.
