Delivering a greener energy future at Flat Rocks Wind Farm
At a glance
We're supporting the construction of Enel Green Power Australia's first wind farm, located at Kojonup in Western Australia. With an anticipated annual output of 315GWh and expected capacity factor nearing 50 per cent, it will be one of the country's highest-performing installations.
The challenge
Enel Green Power Australia has signed a 12-year agreement with BHP, aiming to support BHP's decarbonisation of nickel operations and provide low-carbon-intensity nickel to customers in the electric vehicle and battery storage markets.
Situated in the wind-rich Great Southern region of Western Australia, Flat Rocks Wind Farm Stage 1 consists of 18 x 4.2MW turbines along with the related civil and electrical infrastructure. With full operational status in 2024 (hold point 1 achieved in December 2023), the project had to adhere to strict deadlines at every stage of its development. Additionally, it was critical to minimise environmental impacts throughout the construction and operation phases.
To effectively navigate these requirements and integrate the specific engineering, environmental and social nuances associated with wind farm installation in Western Australia, we were engaged as owner’s engineer for the project.
Our response
With our wealth of expertise and proven track record in delivering owner’s engineering services for numerous landmark renewable energy projects across Australia, including the Yandin and Warradarge wind farms in Western Australia, we were uniquely positioned to provide support to Enel Green Power Australia during the development of Flat Rocks Wind Farm Stage 1.
Integrating valuable learnings from past projects, our team served as a comprehensive service provider from the final stage of project development through to engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the project, delivering assistance across a spectrum of key areas, including:
- Project management
- Approvals support
- Design reviews
- Construction management
- Schedule support
- Commercial support
- Document control
- Grid connection modelling and support.
We had full-time site representatives on-site throughout the construction phase, working closely with both Enel Green Power Australia and the construction contractor teams. Our team also provided support in the commercial and technical negotiations and aspects of the multi-contractor project.
Additionally, we were entrusted with a pivotal function of developing the required grid connection documentation, conducting modelling, compiling essential R2 and GPS documentation, and collaborating closely with Vestas, Western Power, and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) – entities responsible for managing and operating electricity infrastructure in Western Australia – to ensure a smooth and timely integration.
The impact
We’re proud to have played a key role in facilitating the construction of Enel Green Power Australia's first wind farm in the Australian market, actively contributing to the continued growth of renewable energy operations in the region.
Our collaboration has gone beyond the development of the project’s physical infrastructure, with our team supporting Enel Green Power Australia’s vision in creating shared value by working closely with the local community to enhance economic and social conditions.
Upon completion, Flat Rocks Wind Farm Stage 1 is projected to generate around 315 GWh of electricity annually, and the plant's operational life is estimated to be approximately 30 years. This capacity will effectively meet the entire electricity demand of BHP’s Kalgoorlie nickel smelter and Kambalda concentrator, enabling decarbonisation of these industries as we transition towards a greener energy future.