Project

Preliminary Site Investigation 

site assessment is underway

A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) assesses the project’s feasibility. This investigation involves studies and analyses to understand the suitability of the chosen site for wind energy production. The project considers environmental, technical, community and regulatory requirements.

Key components include:

• Wind Resource Assessment: determines the site’s wind characteristics to estimate energy production.

• Site topography and geography: assess the site’s physical characteristics, using Topographic Surveys and Geographical Information Systems. 

• Environmental Studes: analyse the wind farm’s potential environmental and community impacts using flora and fauna studies, noise and visual impact assessment and research into socio-economic impacts.

• Grid connection and infrastructure: determine the feasibility of connecting the wind farm to the electrical grid.

• Regulatory and permitting requirements: ensure compliance with local, regional, and national regulations, which includes permitting process and compliance review.

Project Location 

site assessment is underway

The proposed wind farm would be located 40km North-West of Dubbo, 25 Km South-West of Gilgandra and 45km North-East of Narromine, in the Gilgandra Shire Council. The map to the right shows the site location for the potential wind farm development.

The proposed site is within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The project would significantly contribute to the NSW Government’s 2050 net-zero emissions targets by sending renewable power into the electricity grid.

The land is currently used for sheep / cattle grazing and grain growing. There is an existing 132 kilovolt (kV) power line which is located south of the site.

Project Status

One meteorological mast is installed on the proposed site. These structures are 130m tall and carry meteorological instruments, such as anemometers to measure wind speed and direction. The meteorological masts will help confirm the predicted wind resources available and possible turbine layout. The Met Mast is complimented by several trailer mounted wind monitoring devices. 

OzArk has completed a Fatal Flaws Assessment, which evaluates the proposed wind farm’s environmental impact on flora and fauna, site topography and geography, environmental constraints, soil conditions as well as possible impacts on cultural heritage.