Shell Energy has partnered with Foresight Group to acquire Kondinin Energy Pty Ltd, which holds Development Approvals and associated land access for a wind, solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) development near Kondinin, located north-east of Perth in Western Australia’s wheatbelt.
The joint acquisition of Kondinin is Shell Energy’s first West Australian renewable energy development and first West Australian wind project. The project will be developed in two stages and has received all the necessary Local, State and Federal Government approvals to develop:
The wind and solar project is currently in the feasibility phase with work being undertaken on the technical, environmental, social and economic aspects of the project. It is anticipated construction of Stage 1 would begin in 2025.
The Kondinin Wind and Solar Project, is located 5km north-east of Kondinin in Western Australia. The project is ~270km east of Perth, in the midst of the West Australian wheatbelt.
The project is an area with good wind and sun resources and close to the existing Western Power electrical substation on the 220 kilovolt (Kv) line and the Highway.
The electricity produced by the project will flow directly into the existing Kondinin substation, located nearby, and then into the Western Power network.
The construction of the wind and solar project will help contribute to a thriving economy in the Kondinin region, and take up to two years to fully complete. The construction workforce is expected to peak at 150 people.
It is anticipated the majority of construction jobs will be filled by workers from the Kondinin shire and adjoining regions wherever possible. The balance of this workforce, including specialist roles, is likely to be recruited from elsewhere in WA and interstate. A worker accommodation strategy will help mitigate any impacts on existing local accommodation.
Once the wind and solar farm is operational, it is expected a small number of permanent staff will be employed to carry out operations and maintenance activities.
The Wind and Solar farm is predicted to generate on average around 500 GWh of electricity every year. This renewable energy avoids the production of around 360,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. The wind and solar resource measurements undertaken indicate the wind is predominantly from the south-east and is strongest overnight. Therefore, the combination of wind and solar power is complementary.
The project is committed to working closely with the Kondinin community, and other Western Australian stakeholders, to understand how we can best share benefits and opportunities with the wider community.
One of the ways we are engaging with local stakeholders is via the Community Consultative Committee established in late 2022. The purpose of the Committee is to:
The committee comprises an independent chairperson, up to seven community and stakeholder representatives, a council and project representatives. It is expected Committee meetings will occur quarterly, subject to Project progress.
The Community Consultative Committee will provide advice and guidance regarding the establishment and provision of grants.
The Kondinin Wind and Solar Wind Community Fund will provide financial support to community groups and projects that provide a benefit to the local community with $100,000/year in grants provided from the start of construction, through the 25-year life of the project. Initiatives which provide community benefit in the areas neighbouring the Kondinin Wind and Solar Farm will be eligible to apply for monies once the fund is activated.
Fund details including eligibility criteria are currently being developed, informed by the Community Consultative Committee.
If you wish to receive Community Fund updates, please email the project team with your full name and email address.
We are calling all businesses and individuals who are interested in being part of this exciting project to register their interest by emailing the project team at [email protected]. Once your details are received, updates will be provided once contract and job opportunities are finalised.
The construction of the project will take up to two years to complete, with workforce numbers expected to peak at 150 people. Key scopes of work to be completed will include construction of gravel roads, laying of power cables, erection of power lines, turbine foundations to be excavated and poured, solar arrays and turbines to be assembled. As well as direct employees, direct services that will need to be contracted include plant hire, geotechnical drillers, transportation, excavators, crane and lifting specialists, engineers, surveyors, fitters, electrical contractors, accommodation and catering.
If you wish to register your interest in working for and/or providing your services to support the development of this project, please email the project team with your full name, best contact details and specific area of interest.
Foresight – https://www.foresightgroup.eu/
WestWind – https://w-wind.com.au/
