FAQs
Project opportunity
The New South Wales Government has legislated a target of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. It has recently released its forecast assessment of the market – anticipates 12 GW of mostly new renewables by 2030 according to NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
Through a competitive tender process managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW, Neoen was selected to investigate the feasibility to develop a wind farm in the Bondo plantations, near Tumut. The Forestry Corporation permit is for investigation only at this stage and, if proved to be viable, a project would need to go through all the necessary government planning processes and be approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure, for it to be constructed. Softwood plantation land presents very compatible characteristics with wind energy development: long-term investment horizon, presence of existing access, transport/electrical infrastructure, and lower biodiversity sensitivities.
- Strong wind resource
- Synergy with the timber industry, including an existing road network
- Proximity to transmission lines
- Topography suitable for construction
- Relatively few houses nearby
On 23/05/24, the Forestry Corporation of NSW has publicly announced that Neoen have been selected to investigate development of a wind farm in the softwood plantations at Bondo, after a competitive tender process. The Forestry Corporation permit is for investigation only at this stage and, if feasible, a project would need to go through all the necessary planning processes and be approved by the NSW Government.
We will engage with immediate neighbours and conduct a letter box drop to the community to inform it of our investigations. The first community session to engage with the general community will be advertised in the local newspapers.
Neoen would appoint a local Community Liaison Officer (based in a local office, possibly in Tumut) with experience working with and respected by communities in the region.
Number of turbines and total capacity are not decided yet, subject to development, environmental, grid constraints and the outcome of the planning and approval process in the softwood plantations near Bondo. It is likely the wind farm would be built in two or three stages, depending on the outcome of the development application process, and grid connection availability. We will share more information in the next few months.
Development Approvals (DA) applications would be sent to the local councils to install wind monitoring equipment (meteorological masts), aimed at validating the desktop wind resource at specific locations around the project. Environmental surveys would be performed at the precise locations of the meteorological masts to inform this application. It is estimated that DA applications would be sent to councils by Q3 2024, and first installations would be performed by Q1 2025.
Development Approval for the larger wind project would be required by the NSW state government. Environmental studies, including targeted birds and bats surveys for a period of two years, would inform the environmental approvals process and would be kick-started in Q3 2024. Further assessments would include cultural heritage, noise, and visual studies, as well as transportation/traffic surveys along the route to site from the port of delivery.
Community
Neoen believes in sharing the benefits of renewable energies with the communities we operate in. The project would have a Community Benefits Program in place that would seek to bring a range of benefits to surrounding communities. We’re keen to hear from the local community how we can share some of the benefits of this project with you. The project would also help with job creation during construction and create economic opportunities in the region.
Neoen projects have a community benefit sharing program. We believe in sharing the benefits of renewable energies with the communities we operate in. The scheme would provide meaningful benefits to communities surrounding the Bondo Wind Farm.
There would be a formal governance structure to oversee the community benefit fund – Community Enterprise Foundation. There would be an advisory committee that would inform how funds are distributed. Neoen is seeking public/community feedback so we can understand which projects make the most sense to the community.
Any community feedback received through the project’s website, email or phoneline, would be used as input by our consultant to inform environmental studies and surveys. There would be a formal opportunity for comments on the DA submission via the DA process. Your local knowledge would be greatly beneficial to us and this project – thank you.
We understand that wind turbines do alter the landscape. But we are committed to working with communities to ensure our proposed wind farms have the least possible detrimental impact on visual amenity.
We encourage individuals and groups with questions about visual impact and solutions to engage with us early.
Neoen would conduct a Land Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) to identify key risks associated with the project in relation to landscape and visual amenity to provide information to help inform the projects design. The proposed Bondo Wind Farm would be designed to minimise and mitigate impacts on landscape character, scenic amenity and landscape values to the greatest extent possible through careful siting of turbines. The approach to the LVIA has been developed with reference to accepted guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment from Australia and elsewhere.
Neoen encourages individuals and groups that have questions about visual impact and remedies to engage with us early.
If the wind farm proceeds, during the construction of each stage, access to some areas may be restricted to ensure safety of the forest users and contractors. Traffic rules apply according to signage displayed. The site access points may be gated and secured, and appropriate warning signs erected. We are really interested to get your feedback about any specific use of the forest area; please let us know.
At the end of the wind farm’s life cycle (typically 25-30 years) the wind farm is decommissioned and we remove the wind turbines and all above ground structures and rehabilitate the site. This is a condition of the wind farm’s development approval from the State government and our agreement with the landowners.
During decommissioning most of the materials the wind farm is made from can be reclaimed or recycled.
ABOUT WIND FARMS
Phase 1 Development: 3 – 5 years
Phase 2 Construction: 2 – 4 years per stage
Phase 3 Operations: 30 years
The construction timeframe depends on the size of the project and the number of workers on site. Given the size of the area we are investigating is large, it is possible that the Bondo Wind Farm would be built in 2 or more stages. Each stage would take approximately 3-4 years to build, with a ‘peak’ construction phase of 8-9 months (i.e. when the size of the workforce on site is greatest). This is usually linked to the pouring of the concrete turbine foundations, where the peak workforce is likely to be in region of 350 people. A staged approach to construction provides a longer and more sustained employment boost to the local community.
Wind turbines are designed to convert wind energy into mechanical energy by the physical rotation of the wind turbine’s blades. This mechanical energy is then converted into electricity via a generator in the nacelle (the ‘hub’ at the top of the turbine), which is sent via underground or overhead cabling into the national electricity network.
The electricity generated by a wind turbine is proportional to the wind speed cubed. For example, a wind turbine operating at a wind speed of 8m/s will produce about 8 times as much electricity as a wind turbine in 4m/s wind. This means that identifying the optimal location of turbines (ideally in high and consistently windy areas) is important for achieving the lowest cost power generation for consumers.
Neoen selects state-of-the-art wind turbines from world leading manufacturers. Current turbine technology features a horizontal axis rotor with 3 blades coupled with a generator in the nacelle, mounted on top of a tubular steel tower. The final turbine model is carefully selected by our procurement and engineering teams based on the site conditions, to provide the lowest cost of electricity for consumers over the lifetime of the project. The turbines are designed to be highly reliable, and their maintenance regime ensures they achieve maximum performance with minimum downtime throughout their design lifetime.
Modern wind turbines have a tip height of between 250 and 290 metres with spacing of approximately 550 metres between each turbine. However, this varies from project to project. Larger turbines generate more energy, are spaced further apart, and have lower blade rotational speeds than smaller turbines.
Since the Bondo Wind Farm project is in a softwood pine plantation, the turbines need to be taller to allow space between the tops of the trees and the lowest point of the turbine blades. Neoen may also be required to construct taller turbines than normal to protect birds and bats flying above the pine forest. This would be determined by detailed ecological surveys carried out by expert consultants.
- Economic: Larger turbines generate more and cheaper energy because they can access higher wind speeds at higher elevations. They also generate savings in civil and electrical costs (foundations, roads, cables, etc.).
- Visual: Larger turbines are spaced further apart and have lower rotational speeds than smaller turbines.
- Noise: Larger turbines don’t necessarily make more noise than smaller turbines, due to their slower speed and improvements in blade design.
All turbines in NSW are subject to strict noise limits. The noise impacts that are permitted are the same regardless of turbine sizing. - Environmental: Larger turbines require less concrete, roads and cables per unit of energy generated. This reduces carbon emissions, construction traffic, and vegetation clearance. Their blades are also above the flight paths of most birds, which greatly reduces the impact to avifauna.
There are a couple of options:
- Lifetime extension – it is possible that we could try to continue the life of the project.
- Repowering – using next generation technology.
- Decommission – At the end of the wind farm’s life cycle (typically 30 years) the wind farm is decommissioned, and wind turbines and all above ground structures are removed to rehabilitate the site. This is a condition of the wind farm’s development approval from the State government and our agreement with the Forestry Corporation of NSW. During decommissioning most of the materials the wind farm is made from can be reclaimed or recycled.
ECONOMIC
During construction phase of the project up to 350 jobs would be created per stage. During the operation phase of the project up to 20 jobs would be created.
Neoen focuses first on hiring local people for our projects. Locals know the land and have the skills and enthusiasm to support us during construction. Our core team become regulars at local cafes and pubs, and we love to work with local suppliers who provide their products and services to help us over the life of the project.
Hiring would begin before construction. In the months leading to construction start, we would hold a local employment and networking session. You can register your interest by submitting a form on the project website. The services which local companies can provide to support the construction and operation of the wind farm are the following: electrical services, construction contractors/plant hire, water tankers, fuel, accommodation, administration, catering, house rental, landscaping, fencing, cleaning, maintenance, solid/liquid waste processing, labour hire, buses/taxis, security…
A 2012 study by SKM on the economic benefits of wind farms in Australia found that, for every 50 MW in capacity, a wind farm delivered the following benefits:
- Direct employment of up to 48 construction workers, with each worker spending approximately $25,000 in the local area in shops, restaurants, hotels and other services (a total of up to $1.2 million)
- Indirect employment during the construction phase of approximately 160 people locally, 504 state jobs and 795 nationwide jobs
The state government is working on the orderly phase-out of retiring coal-fired power stations during the NSW transition to renewables. Wind and solar are the cheapest form of new energy production. The system needs a mix of wind, solar and storage.
Neoen pays for any electrical transmission upgrades necessary to connect and operate the project in the electricity grid. This includes construction and maintenance costs for the life of the project.
There are existing transmission lines near the project, including one 132kv line and two other 330kv lines crossing the investigation area. Neoen is currently submitting connection enquiries to verify the available connection capacity on each of these existing lines. Neoen would aim to connect the project into the existing Transgrid transmission lines.
Neoen does not require government subsidies to finance its projects. We finance our projects through a combination of our own equity and long-term bank loans. However, we sometimes enter into agreements with governments or businesses to sell the power produced by our projects.
All Neoen projects must meet strict New South Wales and Federal Government regulations and are assessed under these regulations. The NSW Government would assess the project as a State Significant Development. We work closely with governments to ensure we meet all legal requirements and exceed these requirements wherever possible.
Development applications would be submitted by Neoen to the three local councils (Snowy Valleys, Cootamundra-Gundagai and Yass Valley) for the installation of the wind monitoring equipment (meteorological masts) and the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for approval.
Neoen has a strong balance sheet with over $1bn in cash and strong earnings and listed on the European stock exchange. There is residual value in the infrastructure which would offset the cost of any decommissioning. The wind farm can be resold and operated by a third party.
Additionally, Neoen has agreed a decommissioning security as part of its permit with Forestry Corporation of NSW.
Health & Culture
Neoen believes that engaging with Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal groups beyond planning requirements, such as co-development of a Cultural Heritage Management Plans, with the support from Neoen’s First Nations Indigenous Participation Adviser, would be key during the various stages of the project.
In addition, Neoen complies with all legislation, including laws regarding the protection of cultural heritage. A cultural heritage assessment forms part of initial studies as does consultation with local Aboriginal groups to ensure cultural heritage is protected.
Neoen has demonstrated experience working with Traditional Owners on our projects around Australia, including working with Wiradjuri people (including Registered Aboriginal Parties and Elders) in areas across New South Wales.
There are nearly 200,000 wind turbines installed worldwide — many of them in more densely populated areas close to houses.
Some 17 reviews of research literature conducted by leading health and research organisations from all over the world, including the World Health Organisation, Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Centre, the UK Health Protection Agency and the US National Research Council, have concluded there is no published evidence to positively link wind turbines with adverse health effects.
Before it can operate, a wind farm must demonstrate that noise levels at neighbouring residences meet strict noise limits. These limits are designed to ensure that noise from a wind farm is not intrusive for the average person.
NSW legislation has strict limits around noise, and the project would be developed in strict compliance with these regulations.
Monitoring of dust levels during construction is a basic requirement of each project. Visual observation of machinery is undertaken during site inspections in addition to daily pre-start checks which ensure all machinery has appropriate emission control devices, is in good working order and is maintained correctly. Water carts are used to prevent dust when construction traffic is using unsealed roads, improving air quality by replacing fossil fuel generators.
The project would generate emissions-free energy throughout the operational life.
Low flying aircraft are required to fly by sight. Wind turbines are large and clearly visible. All wind turbines and met masts will be registered with the relevant aviation authority according to aviation requirements.
As part of its investigations, Neoen would carry out a detailed assessment of the access road’s suitability and upgrade requirements including a survey of the road to accurately map out the existing road and where any upgrades or road widening may be required. Any access road to be used would need to be suitably upgraded to handle construction traffic, and Neoen would comply with obligations set out in planning conditions relating to road upgrades and maintenance. This would be done in consultation with Forestry Corporation of NSW, neighbouring landowners and regional councils.
A preliminary assessment shows that the wind turbine components could be shipped to the port of Newcastle. The distance by road from the port of Newcastle to site is about 610 km. Several routes are being investigated, including one access from the north of the investigations area (Nanangroe Road), and another from the west (Bombowlee Creek).
Site access points would be gated and secured, and appropriate warning signs erected.
To address this matter, an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Study would be commissioned, and actions would be taken according to the results to avoid mobile phone and internet disruptions. Wind turbines are required to comply with limits for EMI to minimise impacts. in addition, Neoen would comply with all obligations set out by the State in their Decision Notice, relating to pre and post construction assessments of television and radio reception strength to identify if the Project has had a negative impact, and to implement measures to address this.
SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT
Aircraft would need to avoid the turbines when fighting fires. As part of safety measures, visibility indicators would be installed on turbines, and meteorological masts as per recommendations of all relevant fire authorities and the Civil Aviation and Safety Authority. Lighting would be activated quickly during fire events or periods of low visibility. If there is a fire emergency in the region, the wind turbines would be stopped.
A wind farm provides advantages to fire fighting and prevention – additional access tracks through the landscape (fire trails) and increased monitoring and communications. Wind turbines also provide lightning protection systems from the blades down to the turbine foundation to evacuate lightning energy into the ground.
A Fire Management Plan would be implemented for the investigation area in consultation with Forestry Corporation. A robust and thorough risk identification and assessment, as well as the implementation of appropriate control measures, to reduce the risk of fire would be put in place. This plan would include:
- Bushfire prevention, and fire risk mitigation strategies;
- Training and resources;
- Remote monitoring;
- Fire detection and notification systems; and
- Fire response and fire suppression procedures.
As part of the crafting of this Management Plan, we would engage with the NSW Rural Fire Services and local volunteers representing the Rural Fire Service would have opportunities to provide inputs that feed into the design of the wind farm, ensuring project activities abide by safety and regulatory requirements.
During construction and operations, Neoen would ensure that employees and contractors, who are engaged on the project, are trained in the firefighting standards set by the Forestry Corporation. The contractors would be equipped with appropriate fire-fighting personal protective equipment and basic fire-fighting equipment.
Fire breaks and asset protection zones around turbine locations would be created and maintained during the project’s lifetime. This includes managing vegetation growth and removing from the site any debris that poses a fire risk.
Neoen would contribute to fire mitigations as part of the project’s benefit-sharing.
Neoen engages specialist consultants to undertake detailed flora and fauna surveys to determine the ecological attributes of the land. Birds and bats activity is closely monitored in a forested environment like the Bondo plantations, and the dimensions of turbines can be adapted to the flight paths to avoid collision.
On all of our projects, we aim to minimise the impact on flora and fauna by designing projects to be constructed outside areas of high conservation significance and adopting control measures during the construction process. During the detailed design, wind turbines would be micro-sited to minimise the potential impact on fauna habitat with turbine heights selected to minimize the overlap between rotor swept area and bird flight heights.
Other mitigation measures include preparing management plans, identifying ‘no-go zones’ within the project site and conducting pre-clearance surveys. Neoen also consults with government departments of environment and biodiversity throughout the development, construction and operational stages of projects, as well as local non-government organisations.
Stock including sheep and cattle take a couple of days to get used to wind turbines, and then are very comfortable with them – they rub up against turbines and use the shade from the towers during summer.
While wind farms are sometimes accused of threatening birds, an energy governance study completed in Singapore has shown that wind farms harm 17 times fewer birds per unit of electricity produced than fossil fuel generation.
Studies show that wind farms are probably responsible for impacting birds at rates that are:
- 400 times fewer than cars
- 500 times fewer than pesticides
- 1200 times fewer than high-tension wires[1]
There would be comprehensive environmental surveys for at least two years.
We would adjust the design and turbines dimension to minimise the risk of impact on birds and bats.
[1] Energy Policy, Volume 37, Issue 6, June 2009.
In accordance with the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) requirements, Neoen would do pre and post construction weed survey for the disturbance footprint plus a buffer of 5m. Any identified weeds in the disturbance footprint would be removed or treated prior to any ground disturbance works commence. There would also be a detailed weed management plan in place for study area.
Moreover, in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) Neoen would implement a vegetation management plan taking weeds in account. The management of weeds within the disturbed footprint, including rehabilitation areas would continue for up to two years post construction or until weed presence cannot be detected.
Where appropriate, vehicle washdown stations and inspections are carried out in accordance with site specific biodiversity regulations.
The project site is in the early stages of environmental and heritage studies. The design/layout of the wind farm is developed to avoid these highly sensitive areas, and we publish information following these studies.
In regards with tree clearing, the removal of any vegetation (including trees in the plantation) must be approved by Forestry Corporation and must be undertaken in accordance with any relevant Laws and required Approvals.
If required by any condition of any Approval, Neoen would be responsible for providing any environmental offset under any Environmental Law (EPBC Act).
