Meering West Wind Farm

Meering West

Wind Farm and Battery

A community initiative driving Victoria’s
transition to clean energy

Virya Energy acknowledges the Barapa, Wiran and Wemba Wemba people
where the Meering West Wind Farm is proposed.

Virya Energy pays its respects to their Elders, past and present.

Project Details

Meering West will be one of Australia’s largest
on-shore wind and energy storage developments,
with around 1.5GW of capacity and over 1000MWh
of batteries

With a proposed 1.5GW of capacity and 1000MWh of batteries the project is of a scale to provide system capacity and vast volumes of annual electricity.

Meering West is an initiative of local cropping farmers who teamed up in 2021 to run a tender process to select an experienced renewable energy developer. After considering several other developers, the Meering West landowner group selected Virya Energy to help them progress this important project.

Virya Energy executives have more than 95 years of
combined international renewable energy experience.

The project has completed a co-design process with landholders to ensure that wind turbines, access tracks, underground cables and other infrastructure complements agricultural production. Wind monitoring and various specialist studies commenced in 2021 and are continuing.

The project design has been further refined by:

Project Particulars

Planning and design of the Meering West Wind Farm is underway. The particulars on this page are subject to change and will ultimately be influenced by; project design, specialist studies, planning and environmental approvals, capacity of the electricity network and the availability of technology at the time of final investment decision.

Benefits

Complements existing cropping practices and provides additional ‘climate proof’ income to enhance farming operations

Delivers low-cost, renewable energy to the grid while supporting Victoria's targets of achieving 95 percent renewable energy generation by 2035

Diversifies the regional economy and helps Victoria to achieve the legislated targets of 95% renewables and 6.3GW of energy storage by 2035

Supports Victoria’s emissions reduction targets of 75-80 per cent by 2035 and Victoria’s net zero emissions target by 2045.

Expected to employee hundreds of people through the development, construction and operational phases.

Supporting the community

Meering West Wind Farm Pty Ltd is committed to supporting community clubs, events and services throughout the development and operation of the project.

Local landholders

Further to supporting landholders through annual lease payments, the project will also enable nearby properties to share in the project benefits. Key elements:

Unless involved with the project, no turbines are proposed within 2km of a dwelling*
$8000 pa for dwellings* located between 2km and 2.5km from a turbine reducing by $1000 for every 500m out to 6km from a turbine
$1000 pa for dwellings* between 5.5km and 6km from a turbine.

*Must be habitable and in existence as of 1 January 2024

Broader community

Meering West Wind Farm is pleased to help support the following community clubs and initiatives:

Wandella Football and Netball Club
Wandella Cricket Club
Boort Football and Netball Club
Kerang Football and Netball Club
Kerang Bowling Club

Kerang Lawn Tennis Club
Lake Meran Tennis Club
Quambatook Bowling Club
Kerang Show.

When operating, the project is expected to contribute approximately $2.1m annually to the Gannawarra and Loddon Shire through payments required under the Electricity Industry Act 2000.

Additional commitments may be announced as the project develops.

Indicative Timeline

2021-2025

Engagement and specialist studies commence and continue

2026

Planning and Environmental Approvals

2029-2032

Construction

2032 to 2062

Operation

FAQs

How tall are the turbines?

The wind turbines will be up to 300m tall from the bottom of the tower to the tip of the blade.

What are the environmental benefits of wind farms?

Wind energy is a clean, renewable and reliable energy source, and is a significant contributor toward the transition of our energy system away from emissions intensive sources.

The land, biodiversity and environmental impacts of wind farms are significantly lower than those created in mining and burning fossil fuels.

In addition, most turbine components are now recyclable with the valuable steel, copper and aluminium, as well as the carbon fibre blades, all being recycled.

Will there be any noise impacts?

Sound from the operation of the turbines is assessed as part of the extensive
environmental approvals process, and this includes designing a suitable buffer
between turbines and any residences to reduce any impact on neighbouring
properties.

It is not proposed to place wind turbines within 2km of a non participating neighbouring dwelling, ensuring noise levels are even lower than required.

When operational, the movement of the blades through the air generates sound, and
how loudly this is experienced varies with wind speed, topography and other factors.

Advances in turbine design have reduced the noise impacts, and a normal
conversation can be held when standing below a turbine without needing to raise your voice.

Can wind farms impact health?

A study by the NHMRC, Wind Turbines and Health, A Rapid Review of the Evidence, (July 2010) found that “there is no evidence for direct adverse health effects from these [wind turbine] installations.”

Do wind turbines cause fires?

On very rare occasions some turbines have experienced electrical or mechanical
failures that have started fires.

These fires are generally contained in the top of the turbine, with turbine monitoring
systems alerting fire crews, who can then ensure no spot-fires start at the base of the tower.

Modern wind turbines can also be fitted with fire suppressant systems to automatically put out fires and the regular maintenance of equipment greatly reduces the chance of fires being started.

Access tracks act as fire breaks, while also providing good access for fire trucks to otherwise inaccessible areas.

Do wind farms harm wildlife?

Wind farms have little impact on most birds and bats which predominantly fly below the swept area of the blade.

Some migratory birds and soaring birds, such as eagles, do fly at the height of the
blades. As such, flight paths studies are carried out to make sure that turbines are
not placed in migratory flight paths or near cliffs where birds soar.
Ground studies are also undertaken to identify habitat of vulnerable land dwelling animals.

Considering wind farms use approximately 1% of the property they are located
on, there is plenty of room to reposition turbines, tracks or cable routes away from
areas of potential impact, avoiding or minimising habitat removal.

Is the wind farm part of the VNI west project?

No, VNI west will be the western interconnector between Victoria and NSW. It is independent to this project. Further information on the VNI West project can be found here: https://www.transmissionvictoria.com.au