Overview
Neoen was 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. The Scoping Report was submitted in June 2025 and SEARs were received in July 2025. The development application is aiming to be lodged in November 2026. Visit the NSW planning portal for more information.
Watch this video to find out about the process of creating a wind farm.
Click map to enlarge
Location
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.
Wind Farm Visualisation from the Tumut Lookout
These three images above illustrate what the Bondo Wind Farm could potentially look like when viewed from the Tumut Lookout. The view may change at different times of the day, depending on the position of the sun. Turbine layout is indicative and may change subject to ongoing surveys and approvals.
Bushfire prevention and management
Neoen takes fire mitigation and safety very seriously on all its projects.
For the Bondo wind farm, we are working closely with Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) and NSW Rural Fire Services (RFS) to ensure the wind farm will not increase bushfire risk or complicate emergency response and management, while also identifying opportunities to strengthen bushfire monitoring capabilities across the region. For example, a FCNSW camera has been installed on one of the Project’s met masts to enhance the existing bushfire monitoring coverage within the Bondo State Forest and surrounding area. Additional monitoring tools may also be implemented once the wind farm is operational, should FCNSW consider them beneficial. Neoen will comply with all FCNSW operational and fire safety requirements for all employees and contractors during both construction and operation of the wind farm.
An Emergency Management Plan will also be prepared prior to construction and will include measures such as the establishment of fire breaks and asset protection zones around turbines and other electrical infrastructure, improved access tracks within the forest to support faster and safer emergency response, additional fire water tanks, and firefighting training for employees and contractors. All wind turbines will comply with relevant aerial marking requirements and can be stopped remotely and placed in a “Y” position to support safe operations around them in case of aerial firefighting.
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.
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.
- We Are Here
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
What we loved about Neoen was their Community Benefit-Sharing Program
and how they worked with host landholders.
Karen and Jonathan Schoff, Host landowners
Culcairn Solar Farm, NSW
With a balanced portfolio of wind, solar and big battery projects, we are Australia’s largest 100% renewables company.
We own and operate many of our projects for the long-term and are committed to sharing the benefits with surrounding communities as a responsible neighbour. Our dedication to the community and environment has made us a ‘developer of choice’ and a pioneer in the industry.
Since 2012, we have contributed over 4.5 GW of renewable energy & storage assets and invested over $7 billion towards Australia’s energy transition.