The first batch of wind turbines for the new Cattle Hill Wind Farm in the southern Australian state of Tasmania were connected to the national power grid on Dec 6, after installed by POWERCHINA.
The 148 megawatt wind farm is a joint development between POWERCHINA, with an 80 percent stake and Goldwind, which has 20 percent of the power project.
On completion it will be the biggest power plant in Tasmania.
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The first batch of wind turbines for the new Chinese-built Cattle Hill Wind Farm in Australia are plugged into the national power grid on Dec 6. [Photo/POWERCHINA] |
It is POWERCHINA's first project for developing renewable energy in a developed country. With a total investment of $228.26 million, the project was jointly funded by POWERCHINA Resources and Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co.
Tasmania's minister of energy, Guy Barnett, in a speech expressed his government's gratitude to POWERCHINA for its contribution to new energy development in the Australian state.
He said the project symbolized win-win cooperation between Australia and China in the energy field.
Wang Xiaojia, business counselor at the Chinese consulate general in Melbourne, said it was to be hoped that POWERCHINA would give full play to its own advantages.
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There are celebrations all round, as the Chinese-built Cattle Hill Wind Farm in Australia is plugged into the national power grid. [Photo/POWERCHINA] |
This would help promote the construction of related projects, to make an event greater contribution to the promotion of China-Australia economic and trade development and achieve mutual benefits, he added.
Sheng Yuming, president of POWERCHINA Resources, said the success of the project was inseparable from the trust and support of the local residents.
Through this project, it is hoped the two sides would establish greater cooperation and trust, to help Tasmania attract more investment and create employment opportunities.
Located in central Tasmania, the project includes 48 wind turbines, with a total installed capacity of 148.4 MW, and is connected to the National Energy Grid of Australia through a 4 kilometer, 220- kilovolt transmission line.
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The Cattle Hill Wind Farm in Australia is located in the central highlands of the southern state of Tasmania. [Photo/POWERCHINA] |
Local officials said that once it starts operating, Cattle Hill will generate 440 million kilowatt-hours of electricity every year and providing quality clean energy to 63,500 households.
During the construction of the project -- in addition to promoting a project with high standards -- POWERCHINA said it also attached importance to environmental protection and community welfare.
The company added that the project would create lots of job opportunities and improving the living conditions of locals.
