The Palmer Wind Farm is a renewable energy project designed to generate up to 288MW of clean electricity, enough to power approximately 142,000 homes in South Australia, Australia. The project is being developed and owned by Australian electricity utility Tilt Renewables.
Project Location
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The project site is situated approximately 50km east of Adelaide, within South Australia. The location was strategically chosen due to its favourable wind conditions, which make it a suitable site for generating wind energy efficiently.
Additionally, the site is in close proximity to existing electricity transmission infrastructure, ensuring that the energy produced can be efficiently distributed to the grid. The selection process also considered environmental factors, with the aim of minimising ecological impact while optimising energy generation. The location aligns with efforts to balance sustainable energy production with responsible land use practices.
Project Details
The wind farm will feature 40 wind turbines, each engineered to maximise energy capture from wind resources. The turbines will feature blade tip heights reaching up to 220m, a design that enhances the efficiency of wind energy conversion. The use of modern turbine technology is intended to enhance the reliability and performance of the wind farm over its operational lifespan.
Construction and Timeline
In February 2025, the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) of South Australia approved the revised design of the Palmer Wind Farm. The approval was granted following an assessment of the updated project plans and their alignment with regulatory requirements. Prior to this, Tilt Renewables had submitted a variation application to the State Planning Commission in February 2024, seeking amendments to the original development proposal.
The initial deadline for project development was set for late 2024. However, to accommodate the revised design and approval processes, the timeline has been extended, with project completion now expected by 2031. The project has also undergone a review under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Following this review, it was classified as a ‘not controlled action,’ indicating that it does not require additional environmental assessments at the federal level.
Tilt Renewables is collaborating with relevant authorities, including the Country Fire Services, to ensure that all aspects of construction and operational management adhere to safety and regulatory requirements. Planning efforts include the development of fire safety protocols and operational risk management measures.
Construction is projected to commence between 2025 and 2026, pending the finalisation of necessary approvals. The completion of the project is expected by 2031, at which point the wind farm will be fully operational. Once operational, the project is estimated to contribute to a reduction of approximately 212,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, supporting national emissions reduction targets.
Community and Environmental Considerations
The Palmer Wind Farm includes a community benefit fund, which is designed to support local initiatives and provide economic contributions to the surrounding region. The fund is valued at approximately $226,000 per year and is projected to provide a total of $7m over the 30-year operational lifespan of the wind farm. A portion of this funding is specifically allocated for First Nations initiatives, supporting cultural heritage projects and local community programmes.
Environmental considerations have been a key factor in the project’s planning and implementation. The site selection process was conducted with an emphasis on minimising ecological disturbances while ensuring optimal wind energy production. Measures have been integrated into the project to address bushfire management and traffic impact concerns, in consultation with relevant authorities.
The construction phase of the project is expected to generate over 200 temporary jobs, providing employment opportunities within the region. Once operational, the wind farm will support five permanent positions for ongoing maintenance and management.
Contractors and Procurement
Tilt Renewables is currently in the process of selecting a lead contractor for the construction phase of the project. The selection process is based on several criteria, including experience in wind energy infrastructure, technical expertise, and the ability to engage with local suppliers and workforce development programmes.
