St Patricks Plains wind farm sold to Vestas

The St Patricks Plains wind farm in the Central Highlands has been acquired by the Danish company Vestas from Ark Energy.

The wind farm has approval for up to 47 turbines with a generation capacity of up to 300 MW and ancillary infrastructure, which would be enough electricity to power around 131,000 average-sized Australian households per year.

Construction is slated for 2027, with the aim of the wind farm being operational by 2030.

Ark Energy is a subsidiary of Korean Zinc.

Vestas Development Australia vice president Evan Carless said the project was an exciting one.

“St Patricks Plains is one of the most advanced wind energy developments in Tasmania and represents an important opportunity to support the state’s renewable energy future,” Mr Carless said.

“We are proud of what has been achieved alongside Ark Energy and grateful for the strong foundation established by its development team.

“Our experience progressing Lotus Creek from development through to construction provides a proven model for delivery, and we are excited to bring that experience to the St Patricks Plains wind farm in Tasmania.”

Ark Energy general manager developments Tasmania Donna Bolton said she was confident the project was in good hands.

“Vestas has been a valued partner throughout the development of the St Patricks Plains Wind Farm, bringing deep technical expertise and a shared commitment to delivering a high-quality renewable energy project,” Ms Bolton said.

“Ark Energy is confident Vestas is ideally placed to progress the approved project and deliver lasting benefits for the local community and Tasmania as the project moves towards construction.”

While the No Turbine Action Group (NTAG) welcomed the acquisition, it still believed the project was deeply flawed, faces major environmental compliance barriers, and lacks a social licence to operate.

“The purchase by Vestas does not de-risk the wind farm from major regulatory, environmental, and financial liabilities and risks,” NTAG Chair David Ridley said.

“Some fundamental changes are required.

"For starters, Vestas needs to ensure that no endangered Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles are killed, and that nuisance noise does not impact neighbours."

Bob Brown said Tasmania was “being taken to the cleaners” following news of the acquisition.

“No public debate, no government input, no local consultation: this deal, which depends on a huge toll of Tasmanian flora and fauna and which will ruin the Highland Lakes scenic drive forever, has been decided in overseas boardrooms where Tasmania had zero input.”