Rye Park Wind Farm: The Biggest Windfarm in NSW

By now you may be familiar with the large wind turbines that make up Bango Wind Farm. But have you heard about the nearby Rye Park Wind Farm?

The Rye Park Wind Farm, which is to be the largest wind farm ever built in NSW, is the brainchild of Tilt Renewables, part of leading Australian renewable energy provider Powering Australian Renewables (PowAR).

The Wind Farm is being constructed on an elevated ridgeline near the town of Rye Park. It will utilise 66 Vestas EnVentus V162-6.0MW wind turbines, the latest technology solution from Vestas, maximising energy production and environmental benefits.

It’s estimated that the Wind Farm will create 250 direct jobs during the construction phase and up to 10 ongoing regional jobs during its operational life, with opportunities for local workers. In addition to local employment opportunities, during the construction phase the Wind Farm will bring local economic benefits through requirements for accommodation, food, fuel and trade equipment and services.

Commercial operation of the RPWF is expected to be reached in Q1 2024. Once fully commissioned, the project will make the following contributions to the community, the environment and the PowAR business (assuming average wind conditions):

• At least $270,000 per year in community funding
• Significant local and regional economic, social and environmental benefits
• Average annual energy production of 1,188GWh (lifetime P50), equivalent to powering approximately 215,000 homes
• The project will offset 960,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, which is the equivalent of removing approximately 300,000 cars from the road each year
• Significant native vegetation and fauna offset program.

The latest news is that Tilt Renewables’ construction contractor Zenviron (and their subcontractors) are finalising the construction of the three site entry points and the temporary compound bench earthworks. Zenviron will continue to mobilise temporary compound sheds and associated compound infrastructure in anticipation of the temporary compound being available over the coming month. Over the next couple of weeks, the ARDG quarries will commence supplying gravel to continue with capping of the main access track and remainder of the temporary compound and batch plant bench.

The upgrades to Grassy Creek Road will continue with arborists trimming/removing vegetation and road crews ripping and compacting the existing road surface. These works will continue from the northern-most access point towards Rye Park.

Works on the Boorowa bypass will continue with ripping and compacting existing surfaces and lime stabilisation of already worked sections. The contractors will commence installing erosion and sediment controls along Boorowa/Rye Park Road. Road users should expect minor delays and diversions while the road works are being undertaken along Grassy Creek Rd and Boorowa bypass. If travelling along these routes, please be mindful of the works and follow traffic control directives

You can keep up-to-date with the progress of the Rye Park Wind Farm by going to: www.ryeparkwf.com.au

• Topics:

• Renewables