News

While discussion flows about political opposition towards the proposed VNI West transmission line, and what the economic implications of cancellation may be, a new wind farm development in Victoria that would connect to this infrastructure is now under assessment by the state planning authority.

Atmos Renewables’ proposed Macorna Wind Farm is planned over 26 landholdings in the Macorna, Tragowel, Mincha West and Macorna North localities within the Gannawarra Shire and Loddon Shire LGAs.

The project will consist of 114 wind turbine generators installed within a project area of approximately 23,000 hectares containing an expected development or construction footprint of 749.75ha.

As well as approximately 820.8 MW of wind capacity, Atmos is proposing to include up to four collector sub-stations each with an associated battery energy storage system of 150 MW / 600 MWh capacity.

Macorna Wind Farm has been modelled using Vestas’ V172 7.2 MW turbines with a hub height of 166m and a blade length of up to 86m.

Connection to the grid is planned via the adjacent, proposed Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector (VNI) West Tragowel terminal station shown in blue on the map.

Construction is expected to commence in 2029 and be completed over 3.5 years, with initial energisation/operations to occur from late 2030. The project may be delivered in stages.

It is also noted that the wind farm’s schedule is currently aligned to the delivery of the VNI West project.

Macorna Wind Farm will create approximately 375 jobs during the construction phase and approximately 18 permanent jobs for the life of the project, and contribute a $2-2.5 billion investment to regional Victoria.

That’s a considerable loss of investment in rural Victoria should the project not proceed.

Atmos Renewables acquired the project from original developer WindFarmers in 2024.