NW Tasmania Repowering
Woolnorth Renewables is investigating the repowering of its Bluff Point and Studland Bay Wind Farms in far North-West Tasmania, adding decades to their operational life.
About the project
Woolnorth Renewables has reached an important milestone in the proposed repowering of the Bluff Point and Studland Bay Wind Farms, with the release of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines for the project.
The guidelines outline the detailed environmental, technical and social studies required to inform the Environmental Impact Statement, which will support future planning and regulatory approvals for the project.
With Bluff Point Wind Farm and Studland Bay Wind Farm approaching the end of their design lives in 2030, repowering presents an opportunity to replace the existing turbines and associated infrastructure with modern, more efficient technology. Repowering would enable Woolnorth to continue generating renewable energy from these world-class wind resources for decades to come, while improving operational efficiency, reliability and energy output.
Where are we at?
With the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines now in place, Woolnorth Renewables has commenced a comprehensive program of environmental studies across the project area. These investigations will assess potential impacts on birds and bats, terrestrial fauna, flora and vegetation communities, heritage, landscape, water resources, and other environmental values to inform project design and assessment.
The environmental investigation program includes bird utilisation surveys, targeted studies of threatened and migratory bird species, eagle utilisation and nest monitoring, bat surveys, flora and vegetation assessments, and investigations of other threatened fauna. The studies are being undertaken by specialist environmental consultants in accordance with the requirements of the EIS Guidelines.
The results of these studies will help inform turbine layout, project design, and the development of appropriate avoidance, mitigation and management measures. The findings will also form a key part of the Environmental Impact Statement to support the assessment of the proposed repowering project.
Next Steps
The studies required by the EIS Guidelines will take place over the coming years and will form part of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Click here to read more about our existing wind farms, Bluff Point and Studland Bay: