FAQs
Wind Energy
Wind energy is the process of converting wind flow into electricity using wind turbines. The movement of air spins the turbine blades, which are connected to a generator that produces electricity that is sent directly to the grid.
Wind energy is a renewable and clean source of energy that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a reduction in global warming and dependence on fossil fuels.
The energy sector is one of the largest contributors to Australia’s emissions. By transitioning to wind energy, Australia can significantly decarbonise its power generation, which is vital to achieving its climate goals.
Wind energy is now one of the cheapest sources of new electricity generation in Australia, making it an economically viable option for large-scale renewable energy production. As costs continue to fall, wind power can be expanded rapidly.
Wind energy plays a key role in stabilising Australia’s transition to a renewable energy grid. When combined with solar power and energy storage solutions, wind energy can provide a continuous and reliable supply of electricity.
Wind turbines can convert 35-45% of the wind passing through them into usable electricity. They work most efficiently in areas with consistent, strong winds.
Economic: Larger turbines produce more energy at a lower cost because they can harness the higher wind speeds at greater heights. As there are less turbines required they can also reduce civil and electrical costs, including those for foundations, roads, and cables.
Visual: Larger turbines are spaced farther apart (up to 1000 meters) and rotate more slowly than smaller turbines.
Noise: Despite their size, larger turbines don’t necessarily generate more noise. Their slower rotation and advancements in blade design help limit noise levels. In South Australia, all turbines must adhere to strict noise regulations set by the SA Environmental Protection Authority, regardless of their size.
Environmental: Larger turbines require fewer resources like concrete, roads, and cables per unit of energy, contributing to reduced carbon emissions, construction traffic, and flora and fauna disruption. Their higher blades are also less likely to interfere with bird and bat flight paths, minimising any potential impact.
Wind Farm Life Cycle
A wind farm typically has a lifespan of 20-25 years. There are four key phases in a wind farms life cycle that includes development, construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning or repowering.
TE H2 is involved in all phases as a developer, owner and operator.
Yes, many components of wind turbines, such as steel and copper, can be recycled. Turbine blades, often made of composite materials, are more challenging but research into recycling methods is ongoing. In 2021 for instance, Siemens Gamesa launched RecyclableBlade, the world’s first wind turbine blade that can be recycled at the end of its lifecycle.
Project Development and Approvals
Wind farm projects in Australia require multiple approvals, including environmental assessments, land use permits, and grid connection approvals from both state and federal governments and regulators.
The approval process can take 2-5 years, depending on the size of the project and the complexity of environmental and community assessments.
Public consultations are a key part of the development process. The owner/operator must first engage with local communities to address any concerns such as noise, visual impact, and environmental effects.
Environmental studies are undertaken by independent experts to identify possible impacts from the project. These studies are used to inform decisions about design, planning and construction management.
Studies typically undertaken for a wind farm project include but are not limited to:
- Biodiversity and ecological impact
- Heritage (Aboriginal and European)
- Landscape and visual impact
- Noise
- Traffic and transport
- Shadow flicker
- Aviation
- Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
- Telecommunications
- Socioeconomics
- Construction and operational management
Construction and Commissioning
Construction includes site preparation, building of access roads, configuring and pouring turbine foundations, assembling the turbines, and connecting them to the electrical grid.
The construction phase of a wind farm usually takes 12-36 months, depending on the size, complexity of the project and weather conditions.
The construction process requires thorough planning and effective management, guided by various regulations, standards, and guidelines. Government authorities establish these requirements during the planning phase, which are then integrated into the construction contract between TE H2 and the contractor.
Management plans are created to ensure that all requirements are clearly understood and properly addressed. The Construction Management Plan (CMP) serves as a comprehensive guide for on-site workers, detailing the strategy for managing every aspect of the construction process. Additional plans, such as Environmental and Biodiversity Management Plans, are also implemented. Crucially, we value feedback and suggestions on how to reduce and manage local impacts during construction. Input from communities and stakeholders throughout the project’s development can influence construction requirements, environmental measures, and mitigation strategies.
Traffic and roads
Wind farm construction leads to significant traffic due to the delivery of materials, machinery, and wind turbine components to the site. To manage this, a Traffic Management Plan is created in collaboration with road authorities and councils, ensuring that construction traffic is properly controlled and restricted to approved routes at approved times.
Dust
The primary method for controlling dust during construction is by spraying water over work areas and unsealed roads typically using water.
Noise
Construction noise limits are established in project planning approvals and are governed by state law. If construction activities are anticipated to exceed established noise limits, mitigation measures are implemented to minimise the impact on local residents. This could involve scheduling louder activities at times when they will cause the least disruption.
Commissioning is the process of testing each wind turbine to ensure it operates correctly and is safe for use. This phase takes a few weeks to a few months after the wind turbines are built.
Operation
Wind turbines require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes monitoring, routine inspections, and repairs, usually carried out twice annually or as needed.
Wind farms create hundreds jobs during construction and operation phases and usually provide local businesses with substantial contracts. They also generate long term lease payments for landowners.
Modern wind turbines are designed to minimise noise. The sound levels at distances beyond 1000 meters are typically comparable to the background noise of rural areas.
For a wind farm to receive development approval, it must prove that noise levels at nearby residences will comply with the strict limits set by the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) 2009 guidelines. After the wind farm begins operating, noise levels are tested to confirm compliance. If the limits are exceeded, operators must either shut down or reduce turbine output to meet the required standards.
The EPA’s noise limits are designed to ensure that wind farm noise is not disruptive to neighbours.
Management plans are created to ensure that all requirements are clearly understood and properly addressed. The Construction Management Plan (CMP) serves as a comprehensive guide for on-site workers, detailing the strategy for managing every aspect of the construction process. Additional plans, such as Environmental and Biodiversity Management Plans, are also implemented. Crucially, we value feedback and suggestions on how to reduce and manage local impacts during construction. Input from communities and stakeholders throughout the project’s development can influence construction requirements, environmental measures, and mitigation strategies.
Decomissioning
Wind farms can either be decommissioned or repowered. Decommissioning involves dismantling the turbines, restoring the land, and recycling materials. Repowering involves upgrading turbines to newer, more efficient technology.
The owner of the wind farm and their financiers are always responsible for ensuring proper decommissioning as part of the initial project agreement.
Working with Communities
As the project’s owner and operator, we are committed to a long-term vision for each project and strive to establish strong relationships with residents, businesses, and organisations.
The local community can enjoy numerous economic benefits, such as:
- Stimulation of the local and regional economy;
- Support for local businesses;
- Creation of jobs during both construction and operation;
- Training and skills development; and
- Educational programs.
Additional benefits include:
- Establishment of a community fund for local initiatives;
- Direct payments to landowners and neighbours; and
- Providing farmers with stable, drought-resistant and post-retirement income streams.
We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities where we operate. By partnering with local councils and organisations, and engaging with the community, we will create benefit-sharing programs that address key social, economic, and environmental needs in the region.
Transmission, Easement and Infrastructure
An overhead transmission line consists of a series of conductors (metal wires) supported by transmission structures to maintain a safe electrical clearance to the ground. The structures may be lattice towers or poles made of steel, concrete or wood, with varying designs depending on the number of conductors, the voltage and local environment.
Structures may also be supported by guy wires, which extend out from the pole to provide additional strength and support.
Access tracks are required to access and maintain its transmission line structures.
A single transmission circuit consists of three phases.
Each phase is typically transmitted via a single conductor (wire). For very high voltages, each phase may be transmitted via a bundle of two or four conductors. The distances between wires is required to maintain their insulation and avoid flashover.
The owner of the transmission lines does not own the land that the majority of the transmission network is located on. Instead, land access is secured through easements over the land, commonly referred to as ‘rights of way’. Easements are formally acquired interests, registered on property titles.
Easements are in place to:
- Protect the safety of people living, working or playing near electricity infrastructure by controlling activities under or near the network.
- Provide the right to safely access, operate, maintain and upgrade the network.
- Enable access to undertake vegetation maintenance to prevent bush fire hazards and protect the transmission infrastructure from being damaged.
A common question raised is the potential risk of electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) to people living or working near transmission lines. However, Australia’s health authorities and regulators, including the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), have found no evidence that electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) pose a risk to people living or working near transmission lines.
ARPANSA, the Australian Government’s primary authority on radiation protection, aims to protect Australians from radiation exposure, ensure emergency preparedness, and oversee regulation and enforcement.
ARPANSA advises that there is no established evidence that exposure to magnetic fields from powerlines, substations, transformers, or other electrical sources, regardless of proximity, causes any health effects. While EMF levels near transmission powerlines are higher than in homes, they remain within international health guidelines.
ARPANSA advises:
“There is no established evidence that the exposure to magnetic fields from powerlines, substations, transformers or other electrical sources, regardless of the proximity, causes any health effects.” 1
1 ARPANSA, Electricity and health (n.d.).
More info: arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/electricity
Studies into possible effects have found that Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs) do not have any observable impacts on the health and productivity of cows, sheep, pigs, and horses – including their health, milk production, fertility, behavior, and carcass quality.2
Powerlink Queensland notes that in over 50 years of operating high voltage transmission lines in Queensland, it has seen no instances of EMF exposure causing detrimental effects to crops or livestock.3
2 National Grid, EMFs, agriculture and the environment (n.d.).
More info: emfs.info/effects/agriculture
3 AECOM, Chapter 21: Electric and Magnetic Field (2018).
More info: powerlink.com.au/brochures/electric-and-magnetic-fields
Yes – there are some restrictions on the suitable activities that can be undertaken within the easement itself related to safety considerations under the transmission infrastructure.
Typical restrictions can be found in the South Australian network owner’s guidelines and the TE H2 fact sheet.
TE H2 will establish access protocols in consultation with landowners to ensure mutual understanding and respect for property. Landowners will be individually consulted to address specific concerns and preferences regarding access. During the construction period, a comprehensive property management plan will be developed to minimize disruptions and outline agreed-upon terms.
The company will have the right to access the property for maintenance at any time, but this will be conducted within the agreed protocols and framework. In rare instances of emergency, immediate access may be required to address urgent issues. Regular inspections, including annual and aerial inspections, will be conducted, particularly before the summer season for vegetation audits, with landowners receiving advance notice for any scheduled visits.
An onsite meeting will take place between the landowner and the TE H2 land consultant to obtain a clear understanding of any impacts and perceived issues. An independent valuer will be engaged by TE H2 to assess remuneration, taking into account any impacts raised by the landowner during onsite meetings and discussions.
Remuneration will be assessed in accordance with the relevant legislation, specifically the Land Acquisition Act 1969 (SA). This approach ensures that all offers of remuneration are fair, transparent, and consistent with the relevant heads of compensation stipulated in this act. The assessed remuneration will then be presented to the landowner by the land consultant for their consideration. The land consultant will explain in detail how the remuneration was derived, primarily including reference to the following:
- Market Value of the Land: The consultant will talk about how the value of the land that will be used for the project has been assessed based on current market prices for similar properties in the area.
- Losses Due to Severance: If the project divides a property in a way that makes the remaining part less useful or harder to access, the consultant will explain the compensation for that reduction in value.
- Losses from Injurious Affection: This covers any negative effects the project might have on the rest of the land, like noise or reduced visual appeal. The consultant will show how remuneration is calculated for these types of impacts.
- Losses Due to Disturbance: If the project causes any inconvenience, like disrupting business operations or causing moving expenses, remuneration is also provided for these disturbances. The consultant will detail these compensations.
The remuneration will then be discussed between the parties and if required, further discussions can take place until an agreement is reached.