Overview
Lake Bonney Stage 1 Wind Farm is an 80.5 MW onshore wind facility in South Australia, operated by Infigen Energy. It contributes to Australia's renewable energy capacity under the national Renewable Energy Target.
Lake Bonney Stage 1 Wind Farm is an onshore wind facility located near Millicent in South Australia, Australia. With a capacity of 80.5 MW, it is a medium-scale wind farm that forms part of the broader Lake Bonney wind complex. The facility is owned by Infigen Energy and has been operational since 2005, contributing to the state's renewable energy generation. The wind farm utilizes wind turbines to convert wind energy into electricity, feeding into the National Electricity Market (NEM). Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET) has driven investment in wind power, with South Australia being a leader in wind energy penetration. The facility operates under state and federal regulations that support renewable energy development, including planning approvals and grid connection standards. Environmentally, the wind farm helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based generation. It also supports local employment and energy security. The site's location in a rural area minimizes land-use conflicts, though wind farms in general can impact bird and bat populations. Overall, Lake Bonney Stage 1 plays a role in Australia's transition to a low-carbon energy system.
Environmental context
The Lake Bonney region features agricultural land and native vegetation, providing habitat for various bird species. Wind farms in this area must manage potential impacts on avian wildlife through careful siting and monitoring. The facility's operation contributes to reducing carbon emissions, aligning with Australia's climate goals. Local environmental conditions, such as wind patterns, are favorable for wind energy generation, making the site suitable for renewable energy development.
Frequently asked questions
Lake Bonney Stage 1 Wind Farm is located near Millicent in South Australia, Australia.
The wind farm has a capacity of 80.5 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale onshore wind facility.
The wind farm is owned by Infigen Energy, an Australian renewable energy company.
Australia's Renewable Energy Target (RET) drives investment in wind and other renewables. State-level planning and grid connection rules also apply.
By generating clean electricity, the wind farm reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and supporting Australia's climate goals.