Project Update – October 2018

Nexif are the proud owners of the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm which has achieved significant progress since construction began earlier this year.

The Corraberra Hill Substation grid connection, under construction by ElectraNet, is now very close to completion. It will soon be connected to the existing transmission line connecting the Cultana and Davenport Substations.

The wind farm infrastructure, under construction by Senvion, has achieved significant progress including the construction of roads, foundation excavations, wind

monitoring meteorological masts, the wind farm substation and the overhead transmission line that will connect the wind farm to the Corraberra Hill Substation.

The first wind turbine and tower vessels have arrived in Whyalla, with components to be delivered between Whyalla and the wind farm from September until early 2019.

With this progress in place, in the not too distant future, wind turbines will grace the skyline of the Upper Spencer Gulf, standing tall and contributing to the region’s growing reputation as the renewable energy capital of Australia.

Nexif Energy is committed to creating enduring and meaningful relationships with the communities in which it operates. To this end we will soon be announcing the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm Sponsorship Program.

The purpose of the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm Sponsorship Program will be to provide financial support to eligible groups and organisations for activities that benefit the Port Augusta community.

A total of $50,000 will be available to support activities in the Port Augusta area that:

• address a community need or are of benefit to the local community and enhance the lives of those living in the area; or
• benefit the local environment, respond to climate change or demonstrate sustainable energy use or generation.

 
Full details and the application process will be announced in the coming months through promotion in local press and centres. For further updates of the sponsorship program please visit www.lincolngapwindfarm.com.au.

Nexif Energy have provided support to the Arid Sculptural Exhibition taking place at the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden in Port Augusta. The theme of the sculptures is ‘Powered by Nature’, a theme fit for the change occurring in the Upper Spencer Gulf. The Sculptural Exhibition will be on display until October 14th and entry is free to the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens with gold coin donations appreciated.

The wave of renewable energy projects in the Upper Spencer Gulf has positioned the region as a leader in renewable energy generation. The region was hit hard by the collapse of coal and steel plants, but projects such as the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm are providing new opportunities for innovation and local employment.

The Lincoln Gap Wind Farm adds to the host of renewable energy and storage developments in the Upper Spencer Gulf region. On 20 July, 2018, The Guardian reported that for the region “there has been an explosion in investment, with $5bn spread over the next five years. There are 13 projects in various stages of development, with more than 3,000 construction and 200 ongoing jobs.”
(www.guardian.com)

The Lincoln Gap Windfarm is committed to employing local people and procuring local services and products wherever possible. A forum was held for local industry, in partnership with the State Government Industry Capability Network (ICN), in April 2018. Approximately 70 people attended to learn about involvement opportunities in the areas of engineering, construction, earthworks, electrical and specialised equipment supply, geotechnical investigation, cranage, oversized transport, accommodation and fuel supply. The wind farm’s construction is anticipated to employ around 130 to 170 people and 100 personnel are already working on site across the wind farm and Corraberra Hill substation construction.

• Completion of the Corraberra Hill grid connection that will connect the wind farm to the grid
• Continued construction of the access tracks and crane hardstands
• Construction of the 500m³ turbine foundations in readiness to install the turbines
• Installation of the underground cables that connect the turbines to the wind farm substation
• Continued construction of the wind farm substation

• Installation of the 7km overhead transmission line that connects the wind farm and Corraberra Hill Substations
• Delivery of a 750t main crane to site
• Continued sea and land transportation of the wind turbine and tower components
• Installation of the wind turbines
• Announcement of the details and application process for the Lincoln Gap Wind Farm Sponsorship Program that will support community and environmental activities in Port Augusta