FAQs

Understanding the project

The proposed wind farm is located in the Shire of Dandaragan.

A map of the west coast of Western Australia highlighting the potential project area for Marri Wind Farm

We know the project will have an excellent wind resource because it's located in the region of our existing Yandin Wind Farm, a RATCH-Australia and Alinta Energy investment, managed by Alinta Energy.

We’re hoping to build on Yandin’s success and make an even larger contribution to WA’s energy transition. 

We’re aiming to have the wind farm built by the end of 2027 and we’ll keep the community up to date on our progress and timeline.

We estimate the project will be between 300-400 MW which could be between 40-70 turbines.

Decommissioning is something that must be factored into every wind farm. 

A wind farm is expected to have an operational life of at least 30 years. After this time, the site will either be restored to its previous land use or the equipment will be upgraded and the wind farm’s operational life extended.

Each project will be different. We will work closely with landowners, technical experts, and stakeholders to determine how and when a project is decommissioned.

Alinta Energy. You can read more about us on our website.

Community

To find out more about the project or provide feedback, please get in touch via hello@marriwindfarm.com.au or 0428 447 824.

As the project progresses we’ll set up communication and engagement channels including information sessions and newsletters. And you’re welcome to call or email at any time.   

We’ll consult with the community on the creation of a benefit sharing program, based on local needs. 

Our existing Yandin Wind Farm, a RATCH-Australia and Alinta Energy investment managed by Alinta Energy, has funded over $260,000 locally since 2019. Projects have included:

  • Replacing shade sails at the primary school 
  • Tournament sponsorship
  • Update St Johns training equipment
  • IT equipment for the primary school 
  • Funds towards a new ceiling at the recreation centre 
  • Computer hub at the CRC 

Yes. Wind farm projects generate economic benefits in the community and wider region during construction and throughout the life of their operation. Common benefits are a demand for local goods, services and accommodation. 

The project will need a variety of local contractors to support the construction and operations. If you want to express an interest for your business, please get in contact hello@marriwindfarm.com.au or 0428 447 824.

Environment and planning approvals

Planning approval is required for wind farm developments. This currently involves applying for a development approval which provides an assessment against the relevant shire’s local planning scheme provisions and strategic planning policies.

Environmental approval requirements are based on environmental constraints of the site. 

In Western Australia, projects that are likely to have a significant impact on the environment are assessed and regulated by the Environmental Protection Authority, with some assessments undertaken by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. Currently, specialist studies and Environmental Impacts Assessment documentation must be provided to demonstrate all the efforts undertaken, or proposed to be undertaken, to understand the environmental and social context of the area.

Commonwealth approval requirements may apply to the project if Matters of National Environmental Significance are impacted. 

Each project is different and will have different environmental considerations. A range of environmental studies are undertaken by independent experts to identify possible impacts. We use these studies to inform decisions about how to best design and construct the project.

Studies typically undertaken for a wind farm project include:

  • aviation impact study
  • electromagnetic interference (EMI)
  • shadow flicker
  • traffic and transport
  • noise impact
  • flora, fauna & biodiversity
  • heritage
  • landscape and visual impact
  • surface water impacts

About wind farms

People have been harnessing the power of the wind through sails, wheels and windmills throughout history.

The first time wind was known to produce electricity on a small scale was in Scotland in 1887, built by Prof James Blyth. In the 1970s wind power technology was developed to generate electricity on an industrial scale.

The Salmon Beach Wind Farm near Esperance was the first wind farm in Australia, with six turbines that operated for nearly 15 years. The asset operated from 1987 until it was decommissioned in 2002. The Salmon Beach Wind Farm was 360kW; for perspective, today wind farms are usually 300MW which is 1000 times more powerful.

In 2019, Yandin Wind Farm, a RATCH-Australia and Alinta Energy investment, managed by Alinta Energy, was launched. Yandin Wind Farm produces more renewable energy than any other in wind farm in WA. Yandin has 51 turbines, generating enough energy to power 200,000 homes.

You can read more about the history of the Salmon Beach Wind Farm here.

Wind turbine anatomy and mechanical structure outline 3D illustration. Labeled educational scheme with rotor blade electricity production, generator, power cables and transformer parts explanation.
Wind turbine anatomy and mechanical structure outline 3D illustration. Labeled educational scheme with rotor blade electricity production, generator, power cables and transformer parts explanation.
what is inside a turbine
Wind turbine anatomy and mechanical structure outline 3D illustration. Labeled educational scheme with rotor blade electricity production, generator, power cables and transformer parts explanation.