Cathedral Rocks Wind Farm is a joint venture project between Roaring 40s Renewable Energy Pty Ltd and the Spanish renewable energy company, Acciona Energy (Oceania) Pty Ltd
The Cathedral Rocks Wind Farm has received GreenPower accreditation, a program endorsed by Australian state governments. For a renewable energy product to gain GreenPower endorsement it must be generated from eligible renewable energy sources that meet strict environmental standards, and be subject to regular auditing.
Location
Cathedral Rocks is a remote coastal area located near the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, approximately 30km south west of Port Lincoln. The site covers an area of about 29 km2, with a coastal exposure of nearly 11 km. It remains private farming land.
The Cathedral Rocks landscape is visually stunning, with rugged limestone sea cliffs, and is very remote.
Project scope
Cathedral Rocks Wind Farm has a generating capacity of 66 MW and consists of thirty-three 2 MW wind turbines. Each turbine has a blade diameter of 80 metres, erected on 60 metre towers. The wind turbines were supplied by the Danish wind turbine manufacturer, Vestas.
Construction began in July 2004, with the first turbines commissioned in late 2005. The Cathedral Rocks Wind Farm became fully operational in May 2007.
Environmental focus
Prior to construction commencing, extensive field surveys were undertaken to assess any potential impacts to Aboriginal and European cultural heritage, flora and fauna, noise levels and social and community considerations.
Studies found no mammal species of conservation significance present at the site. Small areas were identified as a suitable habitat for the endangered Southern Emu Wren and any potential impacts on this species are managed by avoiding disturbance during breeding season, and by fencing off and siting roads away from habitat areas.
The Cathedral Rocks Wind Farm has been constructed to minimise impact on coastal vegetation, and a heritage agreement has been finalised to protect and conserve over 2,300 ha of vegetation. The site is also contributing to the management of weeds such as ‘Bridal Creeper’.
To reduce potential collisions with birds flying around the cliff edge, the turbines are widely spaced and set back from coastal cliffs.
Community benefits
Short to medium term employment was created during the construction phase, with associated positive economic flow-on benefits to the local community.
The electricity generated by the Cathedral Rocks Wind Farm produces enough green energy to power 35,000 homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 150,000 tonnes each year.