The massive $280 million Granville Harbour Wind Farm has reached a major milestone, with the completion of the big moves of wind farm components from Burnie to the farm.
This is another step toward reaching our Tasmania First energy policy to make our state fully renewable and self-sufficient by 2022.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said the big moves were supported by more than 20 permanent and casual transport safety escort personnel on a rotating roster.
“The massive task saw the components collectively travel around 160,000 kilometres over 4000 hours, across some 230 individual convoys together moving more than 370 over size-over-mass loads,” Minister Ferguson said.
“Each of the loads, which weighed up to 146.5 tonnes and were up to 67 metres long, were accompanied by two transport safety escort vehicles and Transport Safety Officers.
“As an economy-driving project and significant local employer, the convoys were granted essential service status with strict anti-COVID-19 measures in place to allow the movements to continue during the pandemic restrictions,” Minister Ferguson said.
“The construction of Granville Harbour alone is supporting some 200 jobs with five more to continue on an ongoing basis once operational.”
Minister for Energy Guy Barnett said 20 of 31 turbines had so far been installed at Granville Harbour Wind Farm.
“The Granville Harbour Wind Farm has the potential to power 46,000 homes once all 31 turbines have been installed and are operational, expected in mid-August 2020,” Minister Barnett said.
“The11-kilometre 220kV transmission line and switching station required to connect the wind farm to the Reece Power Station have already been completed.
“The completion of the big moves marks another important milestone in our journey to becoming the renewable energy battery of the nation.
“Renewable energy development like Granville Harbour Wind Farm will be an integral part of the COVID-19 recovery process, fostering economic development and job creation,” Minister Barnett said.
“Renewable energy is one of Tasmania’s largest economic opportunities for the next decade, with our Battery of the Nation pumped hydro plans, new wind farm projects and the second interconnector set to create thousands of jobs and billions in investment for Tasmania over the coming years.”
*Due to COVID-19 movement restrictions and social distancing, video footage including statements from Minister Ferguson, Wind Farm Project Director Lyndon Frearson, and general footage of the component moves, is available for the use of media outlets at GHWF_Final component move_1 May 2020.
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