The Chinese renewable company Goldwind yesterday announced TransGrid had agreed to connect the White Rock Wind Farm to the NSW transmission system. 

The White Rock project, about 20km west of Glen Innes, is due to start construction in late 2015 and will be large enough to power 75,000 average NSW homes, according to managing director John Titchen.

“TransGrid has a strong track record with Goldwind, delivering critical connection works on time and within budget,” Mr Titchen said. 

TransGrid managing director Peter McIntyre said lowering the cost of entry for renewable energy generators was a vital step to reducing carbon emissions.

“Australia’s energy sector needs to move towards a low-emissions electricity system,” Mr McIntyre said. 

He said the company was well placed to support renewable energy generators by delivering a “cost-effective grid connection”.

Goldwind has also begun the tender process for key construction contracts in recent months.

Up to 70 turbines have been planned for the first phase, but development approval has been granted for 119 turbines in total.

The project will be operating by mid-2017, when it is anticipated a new supply will be needed due to increased demand under the renewable energy target. 

Two lengthy reviews of the target in the past five years had almost brought the wind industry to a standstill. 

But Mr Titchen welcomed the Senate passing the new, lower target (from 41,000 gigawatt hours to 33,000) and abolishing the two-yearly reviews, saying the change brought clarity for the renewables industry. 

“The removal of the two-yearly review and the return to bipartisan RET support is welcome,” Mr Titchen said.