A major refurbishment of the Huxley Hill Wind Farm on King Island has been completed, boosting the Tasmanian island’s off-grid energy security and extending the operational life of its infrastructure by at least a decade.
The project successfully repaired and restored a wind turbine damaged during a severe weather event in early 2025.
“The project extends the working life of the wind farm’s five turbines by at least 10 years, ensuring they continue to play a vital role in the world-leading hybrid renewable energy system that powers the island,” said Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan.
He said the completion of the project highlights how existing infrastructure can be upgraded in a sustainable manner, reducing waste and minimising capital costs while securing reliable power for years to come.
Located 80 kilometres off Tasmania’s north-west coast, King Island is isolated from the mainland electricity grid. To maintain a stable supply, Huxley Hill operates alongside a solar farm, battery storage system, and backup diesel generators.
The restoration of the damaged turbine marks a significant milestone for the community’s energy grid, restoring full generating capacity to displace costly fossil fuels.
Two of the wind farm’s turbines alone generate approximately 32 per cent of King Island’s annual power requirements, replacing about 640,000 litres of diesel every year.
“The turbine is now back in operation generating renewable energy for the community and helping reduce the Island’s reliance on diesel,” Duigan said.
“The successful repair demonstrates the resilience of King Island’s renewable energy infrastructure and the expertise of the teams involved.”
The upgrade aligns with the state government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, which aims to support long-term economic growth and community resilience across Tasmania’s offshore islands.