Construction has commenced on the 288-megawatt (MW) Palmer Wind Farm, located 70 kilometres east of Adelaide.
Developed by renewable energy company Tilt Renewables, the clean energy project is set to provide a substantial boost to South Australia’s electricity grid.
The project will take approximately two years to complete. Once fully operational, the wind farm will generate enough renewable energy to power up to 142,000 homes annually.
Tilt Renewables CEO Anthony Fowler said: “The start of construction is a major milestone for Palmer Wind Farm and follows more than a decade of planning, consultation and design refinement.
“Over this time, we’ve worked hard to reduce its environmental and community impacts, cutting the number of turbines from 103 down to 40 while maintaining a similar energy output.”
Fowler noted that the company has prioritised local engagement, working closely with the local council, traditional owners, landholders, and neighbours. Over the life of the project, neighbours, First Nations people, and the broader local community are expected to receive more than AU$13 million in direct benefits.
Initial construction activities on-site are kicking off the week of July 6. Early works will primarily involve site preparation, including establishing access points, constructing the internal track network, and erecting site offices.
Tilt Renewables has pledged to do everything possible to mitigate construction-related disruptions for nearby residents, focusing heavily on minimising noise and heavy traffic.
To ensure ongoing community engagement, the developer will host monthly drop-in sessions throughout the construction phase.