Origin Energy has made a deal with Virya Energy to purchase the Yanco Delta Wind Farm, which is considered one of the most advanced and largest wind and energy storage projects in New South Wales.
Yanco Delta is situated in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) designated by the New South Wales Government.
It includes a 1.5GW wind farm and an 800MWh battery, strategically positioned near important transmission infrastructure.
The wind farm project is situated on a 33,000ha site, 10km northwest of Jerilderie in the Riverina district. It has obtained development approval from the New South Wales Government and EPBC approval.
Origin CEO Frank Calabria said, “Yanco Delta is a large-scale, advanced and therefore highly strategic wind development project.
With the key planning and regulatory approvals secured, and with significant plans for supporting infrastructure and transmission in place, the acquisition of Yanco Delta represents a major step forward in our journey to transition Origin’s portfolio to cleaner energy.
“Origin has made rapid progress in building out a portfolio of renewable and storage projects at varying stages of development, and Yanco Delta represents a unique opportunity to bring a material volume of renewable energy supply into the market relatively quickly, to help meet the needs of our customers.
“Strategically located in the South West REZ, Yanco Delta is a quality wind resource that provides benefits of scale.
We look forward to working closely with the local community and other stakeholders and bringing Origin’s expertise and track record in developing large scale energy projects to progress this project to construction,” Calabria said.
The agreement involves an initial payment of $125 million to Virya Energy, with the potential for an extra payment of up to $175 million based on the project meeting specific development goals.
Origin currently has a collection of renewable and storage projects, such as the proposed Ruby Hills Wind Farm and Salisbury Solar Farm in the New England REZ, with a planned capacity exceeding 1.3GW.
Additionally, Origin has obtained Warrane, a 500MW greenfield development opportunity now referred to as the Northern Tablelands Wind Farm, while also making advancements on installing large-scale batteries at Eraring and Mortlake power stations.
Source Origin Energy
