Wind power

Turning wind energy into electricity. 

Wind power makes sense in WA. It’s readily available, renewable and one of the cheapest ways to generate electricity, compared to other types of generation.

It’s estimated that Synergy reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by around 1.7 million tonnes in 2021, thanks to joint ventures and power purchasing agreements with wind farms connected to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). As we work towards a net zero carbon future in WA, wind power is set to play an even bigger role in our electricity generation mix.

 

Wind Power in the South West Interconnected System

Here in WA, we’ve been harnessing the power of the wind for electricity generation since our first wind farm was built in 1987. Since then, the wind power industry has expanded, creating a range of jobs and opportunities for local communities. 

Wind power is an important renewable energy source in WA. We’ll be harnessing even more power from the wind as we move towards a renewable energy future as part of the WA Government’s plans to reach net zero by 2050. Find out more about the Synergy-owned and joint venture wind farms and wind-diesel systems across WA.

Synergy-owned wind power assets

Bremer Bay Wind-Diesel System

This installation, opened in 2004, generates around 40% of Bremer Bay's annual electricity, which reduces the diesel consumption required by around 40,000 litres. Situated at Bremer Bay, around 400km south-east of Perth, the 600kw turbine sits at 46 metres high, featuring three 22-metre-long blades. An identical wind turbine was installed at Hopetoun Wind Farm, about 175km west of Esperance. 

Kalbarri Wind Farm

Located around 20km south of Kalbarri, this wind farm generates around one third of the electricity needed by the Kalbarri community, offsetting nearly 5,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year. While 1.6 megawatts are supplied by the wind farm, another 2 megawatts are stored in a back-up battery. The project was completed in 2021 to provide an alternative and renewable energy supply to Kalbarri if connection to the main grid is lost.

Joint venture wind power assets

Albany Grasmere Wind Farm

This wind farm, a joint venture with Bright Energy Investments, sits 80 metres above the Southern Ocean. On average, there are only seven days a year where there’s not enough wind to generate electricity. The Albany Wind Farm has been operating since 2001 and the adjacent Grasmere Wind Farm since 2011. A total of 18 wind turbines (which are 65 metres high with a blade diameter of 70 metres) can generate 35.4 megawatts of electricity.

Warradarge Wind Farm

The 51 turbines of Warradarge Wind Farm are among the largest in WA with a tip height of 152 metres and 67 metre blades. Completed in 2020 as a Bright Energy Investments joint venture near Eneabba in WA’s Mid-West, this wind farm generates enough electricity to power the equivalent of the annual average electricity needs of 144,000 WA homes. The wind turbines can withstand wind speeds of up to 150kmh and the blades pitch into the wind to slow the turbines.

Wind power across the world

Here in WA, we’re in one of the best locations in the world to harness the power of the wind.

Coastal regions generally have the highest potential for generating electricity using wind power. In the southern hemisphere, this includes the coastal areas of western and southern Australia, New Zealand, southern South America, and South Africa. In the northern hemisphere, the best conditions for wind power can be found in northern and western Europe, and the north-eastern and western coasts of Canada and the United States. 

The wind power industry is expected to continue to grow at a rapid rate in the coming years as more populations around the world look for affordable renewable energy sources and technology.

Read more about wind in WA

View across the landscape to wind turbines

How a wind farm works

Wind farms are built in areas with very windy conditions to generate as much electricity from wind energy possible. Learn how a wind farm works and why WA has perfect conditions for wind power.
View of wind turbines across the landscape

15 fun facts about wind power

Did you know that a single wind turbine can stand almost four times as high as Optus Stadium? Learn more about wind turbines and technology as you discover more fun facts about wind power.
Wind turbine at sunset

The past, present and future of wind farms in WA

It’s likely that people have been harnessing the power of the wind through sails, wheels and windmills since the beginning of civilisation. Here in WA, wind farms have played an important role in our energy generation mix since 1987.

Wind turbines on the Albany coastline

Renewable energy investment

As we phase out coal-fired generation, it’s estimated Synergy’s carbon emissions will be reduced by 80% by 2030, compared to 2021 levels. This is a major step towards the State Government's target of net zero emissions by 2050.

Explore electricity generation

Learn more about Synergy's renewable and non-renewable electricity generation.

Solar Power

Here in WA, we’re in an ideal location to turn energy from the sun into electricity for homes and businesses. 

Learn more

Power Stations

WA’s electricity generation mix includes energy from coal-fired power stations at Muja and Collie. 

Learn more
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