November 18, 2009
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd opens Capital Wind Farm
Project powered by 67 Suzlon S88 2.1 MW wind turbines
141 MW wind farm among Australias largest
Canberra: Suzlon today celebrated the official opening of Infigen Energys Capital
Wind Farm in Bungendore in New South Wales by Australian Prime Minister Kevin
Rudd. The 67 turbine wind farm, located just outside Australias capital Canberra, was
delivered by Suzlon through a client-friendly turnkey contract that covered
Engineering, Procurement and Construction.
Dan Hansen, CEO of Suzlon Energy Australia, said: Our team of experienced
power industry professionals valued the opportunity to work with Infigen Energy to
deliver another sustainable power plant in Australia. The successful commissioning of
the Capital Wind Farm demonstrates the real and important role that wind energy has
to play in a low carbon economy.
As one of Australias largest wind farms Capital will produce clean energy to power the
Sydney Water desalination plant and avoid the emission of approximately 390,000
tonnes of greenhouse gases each year.
The wind farm has provided an important boost for clean energy jobs and investment
in the local economy. Infigen invested more than half the total value of the project in
Australian products and services, such as the steel wind turbine towers. The wind
farm will continue to provide clean energy jobs for the life of the project to meet the
ongoing service and maintenance requirements.
The Capital Wind Farm also plays a role in helping shape the clean energy jobs of the
future. Through a ground-breaking partnership between Suzlon and RMIT, the wind
farm was host to Australias first wind farm electrical apprentices. Through this
program, ten pioneer apprentices will soon possess qualifications that will equip them
to make a real contribution to the renewable energy industry.
As part of an extensive program to rehabilitate the land, up to 6,000 trees have been
planted by Trees for Earth. Suzlon is pleased to be involved in this project which will
boost farm production, repair damaged land and is an excellent model for future wind
farm development.
Commenting on the opening, Mr. Tulsi Tanti, Chairman of Suzlon Energy
Limited, said: The Capital Wind Farm is an important milestone towards Australias
commitment to making the transition to a low carbon economy and I welcome the
Australian governments ongoing support for renewable energy. We are happy to work
with Infigen to provide clean, renewable energy. The wind farm is a step towards a
greener future generating significant employment opportunities and benefits to the
local business and communities.
