Behind the blades: My visit to the Wattle Point Wind Farm

Standing at the edge of the Yorke Peninsula, the Wattle Point Wind Farm creates an impressive sight against the South Australian sky.

A stormy experience

My timing couldn’t have been better as I arrived at the wind farm just before a storm arrived. The dark, rolling clouds transformed the massive white turbines into gleaming sentinels. As the sun slipped in and out of the clouds, the blades created mesmerising silhouettes against the vibrant sky with the gentle whoosh of the rotating blades added a peaceful rhythm to the evening.

Scale and specifications

The sheer scale of the Wattle Point Wind Farm left me gobsmacked. With 55 wind turbines spread across 17.5 square kilometres, this renewable energy powerhouse generates enough electricity to power 50,000 Australian homes. Each turbine stands proud, working efficiently to harness the natural power of wind.

If you are visiting, make sure to stop at the information building, It was here that I learned fascinating details about the wind farm’s operations. The turbines begin generating power in winds as light as nine kilometres per hour, reaching peak production at 47 kilometres per hour. What impressed me most was learning that the blade tips can reach speeds of up to 222 kilometres per hour!

Practical Information

Built in 2005 at a cost of $180 million, the Wattle Point Wind Farm marked a significant milestone in Australian renewable energy history. As South Australia’s first major wind power installation, it helped establish the state’s leadership in sustainable energy production.

The wind farm demonstrates how effectively we can harness natural resources for power generation. Each spinning turbine contributes to reducing our carbon footprint, making this facility a crucial part of South Australia’s renewable energy network.

I found the wind farm easily accessible, located just three kilometres southwest of Edithburgh. The information building provided excellent insights into the facility’s operations, and the adjacent car park offered perfect viewing opportunities.

Conclusion

My visit to the Wattle Point Wind Farm was really interesting and left a lasting impression.

The combination of innovative technology, environmental benefits, and sheer visual impact makes this site truly remarkable. I’m already planning to visit other wind farms to capture more photos of these majestic turbines against the South Australian sky.

Getting there:

Address: 389 Sheoak Beach Rd, Edithburgh SA 5583

Construction of Wattle Point Wind Farm began in July 2004 and was completed in May 2005. The first turbine was assembled on 30 November 2004. Each turbine foundation required approximately 230 cubic metres of concrete. The official opening ceremony was held on 16 June 2005, with South Australian Premier Mike Rann and Southern Hydro Chairman Dr Keith Turner presiding. The total construction cost was $180 million.

The wind farm connects to the ETSA Utilities electricity transmission system via a 132-kilovolt line. The turbines begin generating electricity in winds as low as 9 km/h and reach full production capacity at wind speeds of around 47 km/h. The total generating capacity is 91 MW, with each turbine contributing to the collective output. The system includes automatic shutdown mechanisms that activate during gale force winds to protect the equipment.

Each of the 55 turbines stands 68 metres high with rotor diameters of 80 metres. The blade tips can reach speeds of up to 222 kilometres per hour. The turbines are spaced across 17.5 square kilometres (6.8 square miles) to optimise wind capture while minimising interference between units. Each turbine is equipped with sophisticated monitoring systems to adjust to changing wind conditions and maintain optimal power generation.

The wind farm was initially built and owned by Southern Hydro Pty Limited, which was owned by Meridian Energy of New Zealand. In October 2005, the Australian Gas Light Company (AGL) purchased Southern Hydro. The facility was then acquired by Alinta in October 2006 through an asset merger with AGL. In April 2007, the ANZ Bank’s Energy Infrastructure Trust purchased the wind farm for $225 million, demonstrating its increasing value as a renewable energy asset.

The site was selected after extensive wind pattern analysis identified it as having one of mainland Australia’s highest average wind speeds. During construction, archaeological surveys were conducted following the discovery of Indigenous Australian artifacts and remains. This led to the repositioning of five turbines to preserve cultural heritage. Environmental impact assessments included studies of local wildlife patterns, noise levels, and visual impact on the landscape. The location was strategically chosen to balance optimal wind conditions with minimal environmental disruption.