Community Information Booklet
www.kentbruckgreenpowerhub.com.au
0431 300 834
[email protected] Finland
GLOBALLY Ireland The company is headquartered in Paris, France, and has two France Australian offices – in Sydney and Canberra. United States Jamaica Portugal
We operate across renewable Mexico energy technologies including solar, wind and storage in Europe, El Salvador
Central America, Africa, the Mozambique
Middle East and Australia. Zambia Argentina Australia
LOCALLY Neoen Australia began operations in 2012. Over the last seven years DeGrussa Solar and Storage Project the company has initiated the
Dubbo Solar Hub development of more than 1GW Hornsdale Wind Farms 1, 2, 3 Parkes Solar Farm of solar and wind projects through Hornsdale Power Reserve Griffith Solar Farm Coleambally Solar Farm organic growth, local partnerships
Bulgana Green Power Hub Numurkah Solar Farm and strategic acquisitions.
Neoen produce green electricity from renewable sources such as sunlight and wind using mature, tried and tested technologies. We are also leaders in energy storage.
Page 2 WORLD’S LARGEST BATTERY HORNSDALE POWER RESERVE
LESS THAN SIX MONTHS FROM PROJECT INCEPTION TO COMPLETION
• 100MW Lithium-ion battery located next to Hornsdale Wind Farm
• Owned and operated by Neoen
• Installed and maintained by Tesla
• Provides grid stability services
• Saved SA energy consumers $50 million in 2018
• 50MW Stage 2 now under construction
REDUCES RISK OF BLACKOUT IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Page 3 DELIVERING CHEAPER ENERGY FOR INDUSTRY
LAVERTON STEELWORKS VICTORIA
Laverton Steelworks have agreed to take power from Neoen's 128 MW Numurkah Solar Farm under a 15-year deal. GFG Alliance’s Executive Chairman Sanjeev Gupta said the deal would help lower energy costs at Laverton.
DEGRUSSA MINING WESTERN AUSTRALIA
DeGrussa is the largest off-grid solar battery storage project in Australia. It powers a gold and copper mine in remote WA. Commissioned in June 2016, it provides a solar and storage solution to the majority of the mine’s daytime electricity requirements, offsetting up to 20% of total diesel consumption annually.
NECTAR FARMS VICTORIA
Bulgana Green Power Hub, consisting of 196 MW of wind backed by a 20MW battery, is co-located with agri-business Nectar Farms to provide secure and affordable energy. Nectar Farms is using the latest in hydroponic glasshouse and plant technology to create a 10 hectare state of the art facility and over 130 local jobs.
Page 4 PROPOSED PROJECT TIMELINE
January 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Community engagement
Wind recording
Ecological studies
*EES & *EPBC referral
*EES & *EPBC assessment
*DA preparation including technical studies
*EES & *EPBC application
*DA assessment
Detailed design
Construction
Operations
*KEY Please note that the project is at the early stage of EES EPBC DA development and the timeline is subject to change. Environment Environment Protection & Development The latest information can be found on our website. Effects Statement Biodiversity Conservation Act Application
Page 5 VISUAL IMPACT
Wind turbines are large features in the environment. Neoen has selected this site partly due to the relatively low density housing in the nearby area. This site minimizes the visual impact of the proposed wind farm.
As part of any planning permit application, Neoen will complete a comprehensive assessment of potential impacts on landscape character and visual amenity. We will work with nearby neighbours of the project to fund tree planting and visual screening. If you live nearby we would encourage you to contact us so that we can start talking with you about how this would work.
Photo provided by www.uka-gruppe.de/360grad
NOISE IMPACT
Wind farm projects are subject to strict noise regulations. At neighbouring houses, wind turbine noise must not exceed 40dB(A) or background noise level +5dB(A), whichever is greater.
As part of any planning permit application, Neoen will complete a comprehensive assessment of noise levels at all nearby houses in accordance with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) guideline: Development of Wind Energy Facilities in Victoria - Policy and Planning Guidelines and New Zealand Standard 6808:2010 Acoustics – Wind Farm Noise.
SOUND NOISE SOURCE LEVEL (DBA) Quiet bedroom 20-25 Rural night-time 20-40 background Typical wind farm (at moderate wind 35-45* speed 7 m/s) Car at 64 km/h at 100m 55 Busy general office 60 Pneumatic drill at 15m 95
*Based on sound level measurements taken from multiple resident locations near two Victorian wind farms, at distances 500–1,000 m from the nearest turbine. Information sourced from Environmental Protection Authority, Victoria.
Page 6 SAFEGUARDING ECOLOGY
– Neoen is committed to configuring the project to ensure minimal environmental impacts and to safeguard the local ecology. – The project has been sited in a pine plantation in order to reduce the environmental and biodiversity impacts associated with removing native vegetation. – Climate change is a major threat to coastal ecology. Once operational, Kentbruck Green Power Hub will reduce CO2 emissions by 3.5 million tonnes per year.
There is a vertical buffer above the pine trees and below the turbine blades, and to some extent the height of the wind turbines can be adjusted depending on survey results. Vertical buffer 45m (minimum lower blade sweep height) 30m Tree height
One of the options for the transmission line easement is through underground cabling along an existing dirt road through the Cobboboonee National Park. This low- impact solution would ensure minimal disturbance to flora, fauna and the local 10m community.
5.5m
1.2m
Page 7 2019 2020 2021
Common Name Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan
Coast Helmet-orchid
Green-striped Greenhood
Winter Sun-orchid
River Swamp Wallaby-grass
Square Raspwort
Swamp Greenhood
Swamp Everlasting
Wrinkled Cassinia
Coastal Leek-orchid
Small Sickle Greenhood
Mellblom’s Spider-orchid
Ornate Pink-fingers
Maroon Leek-orchid
Coast Dandelion
Coast Ixodia
Limestone Spider-orchid
Clover Glycine
Metallic Sun-orchid
Colourful Spider-orchid
Scented Spider-orchid
Robust Spider-orchid
Late Helmet-orchid
Leafy Greenhood
Swamp Diuris
Survey window Survey
Page 8 FLORA & FAUNA SURVEY PROGRAM
2019 2020 2021
Common Name Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan
Level 1 brolga assessment underway - further Brolga survey requirements depend on outcomes of L1
Lewin’s Rail
Little Egret
Eastern Great Egret
Little Bittern
Freckled Duck
Blue-billed Duck
White-bellied Sea Eagle
Striped Worm-lizard
Swamp Skink
Growling Grass Frog
Orange-bellied Parrot
Australasian Bittern
Survey and targeted Red-tailed Black observations of flight Cockatoo height 12 month Southern Bent-wing Bat program Southern Brown Bandicoot
Swamp Antechinus
Long-nosed Potoroo
Heath Mouse
Migratory shorebirds
Bird Utilisation Surveys
Survey window Survey
Page 9 ECONOMIC BENEFITS
$1.2 BILLION ~200 JOBS $1.8 MILLION $1.1 MILLION 14 JOBS INFRASTRUCTURE CREATED DURING ANNUALLY IN ANNUALLY WHEN PROJECT IS INVESTMENT CONSTRUCTION FIRE LEVIES IN LAND RATES OPERATIONAL
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
ABILITY TO PRODUCE APPROXIMATELY 3,300,000 MWh PER YEAR WHICH IS EQUIVALENT TO:
DISPLACING POWERING REMOVING PLANTING 3,500,000 TONNES 500,000 HOMES 860,000 CARS 4.3 MILLION TREES OF CO2 EMISSIONS FROM THE ROAD
Page 10 LOCAL COMMUNITY BENEFITS
$150,000 PER YEAR for local projects and initiatives throughout the project lifespan (approximately 30 years)
In early discussions, community members have proposed the following ideas. You know this area and local community best so we’d like to hear from you.
Help to prevent electricity Solar and/or storage Lower energy bills Support for eco/ black-outs in Nelson for homes environmental tourism through battery storage
Opportunity to invest in Yackandah solar hub Tree planting Tell us your ideas the project for Nelson To submit your ideas, please fill out a survey or visit our website
Page 11 SITE PHOTOS FROM NEOEN’S HEDETN WINDärpiö -FARM,FINLAN FINLANDD
Page 12 PREDICTED CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS FOR THE AREA Content provided by AECOM
Annual Glenelg Hwy precipitation is likely to decrease 8.5- 27%; evaporation would increase 9.1-21.4%
Mt Gambier The wetlands will become more saline, changing which species grow and survive Palpara Princes Hwy Dartmor-Hamilton Hwy Plantation Change in composition of vegetation across the entire area
Lower Glenelg River Crawford River Regional Park
Nelson Cobboboonee National Park
Kentbruck Sea levels Green Power Hub to rise by up to Portland-Nelson Rd Narrawong 84cm Ocean surface likely Floral Reserve to be warmer
Storm surges resulting in intrusion of excess saltwater into freshwater ecosystems Portland Habitat availability for birds likely to be reduced Average sea Increase in coastal temperature is likely to erosion be 3–3.8º C warmer
Fish deaths more likely
Algal blooms more likely
5 km 10 km
Page 13 PROJECT TIMELINE PHASE 1: DEVELOPMENT
Ees Process begins
Community Info Day Choose site Meet local Meet Community Environmental land owners traditional Info Day surveys, owners local input, design
CONTRACT Government submission
Ees Process ENDS
Appoint Grid connection Government Public contractors agreement approval exhibition
Local jobs PHASE 2: session CONSTRUCTION
Regular community Arrange finance Prepare for Hire workers Build updates construction
PHASE 3: Testing & OPERATION accreditation
Operations & maintenance Launch Community Plant trees Generate Grid benefit sharing celebration electricity connection program
Site visits & open days Back to phase 1
Plant operates for 25+ years
Environmental Land management Annual benefits Renewal or monitoring & farming continues sharing program decommission? Decommission
Page 14 ENVIRONMENT EFFECTS STATEMENT (EES) PROGRAM & TIMING
Referral Project referred to the Minister for planning
Decision Minister’s decision on the need for an EES
Scoping Scoping required for EES studies and report set by Minister
Preparing the EES Proponent prepares the EES
Community review & comment Public Review Exhibition of EES and lodgement of submissions
Making an assessment Minister's assessment of environment effects
Incoming decisions Decision makers consider the assessment
These dates are indicative and subject to change. Neoen’s objective is to achieve the necessary approvals by July 2021 or earlier, in order to commence construction activities
Page 15 About wind farms
How long does it take to build a wind farm? How tall are the wind turbines? The construction timeframe depends on the project Generally speaking wind turbines have a tip height of size and the number of workers deployed on site. For between 150 and 270 metres with approximately 500 a 100 MW power plant, an 8 to 14-month timeframe metres between each turbine. However, this varies is typical, with a peak construction period of 2 to from project to project. Larger turbines generate 3 months. A large project like Kentbruck will take more energy, are spaced further apart and have lower around 24 months to construct with a longer peak rotational speeds than smaller turbines. construction. When wind turbines are placed in a forest, turbines need to be taller to allow space between the tops of What technology does Neoen use to build its wind the trees and the bottom of the turbine blades. Neoen farms? may also be required to construct taller turbines than Neoen’s projects use premium quality wind turbines normal at Kentbruck to protect birds flying above and battery technology provided by leading the pine forest. This will be determined by detailed manufacturers. This is selected through a competitive ecological surveys. process for each project. All components come with long warranty periods, wind turbines are generally How do you stop the wind turbines from impacting warrantied for 20 to 25 years. our landscape? We acknowledge that wind turbines do impact the What is the life cycle of a wind farm? landscape but will work with communities to ensure A wind farm will typically operate for between 25 and our wind farms have the least possible detrimental 30 years. impact on visual amenity. Neoen encourage individuals and groups that have questions about visual impact and remedies to engage with us early. How do wind turbines work? Wind turbines are designed to convert wind into Overall, we consider that the immediate and long-term mechanical energy by rotating the turbine blades. benefits which wind farms bring to communities offset The mechanical energy is converted into electricity any loss of visual amenity. via a generator in the nacelle, which is sent directly to the grid. The electricity generated by the turbine is proportional to the wind speed cubed. As an example, a wind turbine in 8m/s wind will produce about 8 times as much electricity as a wind turbine in 4m/s wind. This means the correct placement of turbines in high and consistently windy areas is important for achieving the lowest cost power generation for consumers.
Page 16 FAQs
Economy
Do wind farms benefit the Australian/local Who will pay for any electrical transmission economy? upgrades required? A 2012 study by SKM on the economic benefits of Neoen pays for any electrical transmission upgrades wind farms in Australia found that, for every 50 MW in necessary to connect and operate the project in capacity, a wind farm delivered the following benefits: the electricity grid. This includes construction and maintenance costs for the life of the project. – Direct employment of up to 48 construction workers, with each worker spending approximately $25,000 in the local area in shops, restaurants, Does Neoen require government subsidies to build hotels and other services (a total of up to $1.2 its projects? million) Neoen does not require government subsidies to finance its projects. We finance our projects through – Indirect employment during the construction phase of approximately 160 people locally, 504 state jobs a combination of our own equity and long-term bank loans. However, we sometimes enter into agreements and 795 nationwide jobs with governments or businesses to sell the power produced by our projects. How much do renewables cost compared with other energy sources? Who assesses the projects? Renewable energy projects are now the cheapest sources of new energy generation. Wind energy All Neoen projects meet strict State and Federal Government regulations and are assessed under projects produce energy at less than $60 per megawatt hour. The costs of other sources of these regulations. We work closely with governments to ensure we meet all legal requirements and exceed generation are: these requirements wherever possible. – Existing coal: approximately $40 per megawatt hour Do wind farms cause property values to decrease? – Combined gas-cycle generation: Studies into the potential impact of wind farm approximately $75 per megawatt hour developments on property prices, including by the NSW Valuer-General (2009) and Urbis (2016), have – New coal: approximately $130 per megawatt hour concluded there is insufficient evidence to suggest wind farms can be linked to adverse impacts on Who pays for any road upgrades required? property prices. Neoen pays for any upgrades to State or Local Government or landowner roads required for transporting wind turbine components to site. If we damage roads, we will pay for repairs.
Page 17 Health
Are there any health risks associated with wind Will the project reduce air quality? farms? Monitoring of dust levels during construction is a There are nearly 200,000 wind turbines installed basic requirement of each project. Dust generating worldwide — many of them in more densely activities are assessed during windy conditions and populated areas close to houses. are stopped and rescheduled where adequate control of dust generation cannot be achieved. Some 17 reviews of research literature conducted by leading health and research organisations from all over Visual observation of machinery is undertaken during the world, including the World Health Organisation, site inspections in addition to daily pre-start checks Australia’s National Health and Medical Research which ensure all machinery has appropriate emission Centre, the UK Health Protection Agency and the US control devices, is in good working order and is National Research Council, have concluded there is maintained correctly. no published evidence to positively link wind turbines with adverse health effects. Is cultural heritage taken into consideration? Neoen complies with all legislation, including laws Can wind turbines’ noise affect local residents? regarding the protection of cultural heritage. A cultural Before it can operate, a wind farm has to demonstrate heritage assessment forms part of initial studies as that noise levels at neighbouring residences will meet does consultation with local Indigenous groups to strict noise limits. These limits are designed to ensure ensure cultural heritage is protected. that noise from a wind farm is not intrusive for the average person.
Page 18 FAQs
Environment
Do wind farms impact on flora and fauna? Do wind turbines affect farm/domestic animals? Neoen engages specialist consultants to undertake Neoen built and operates the Hornsdale Wind Farm detailed flora and fauna surveys to determine the across numerous properties near Jamestown in South ecological attributes of the land. Australia.
On all of our projects, we aim to minimise the Stock including sheep and cattle take a couple of impact on flora and fauna by designing projects to days to get used to wind turbines, and then are very be constructed outside areas of high conservation comfortable with them – they rub up against turbines significance and adopting control measures during the and use the shade from the towers during summer. construction process. During the detailed design, wind turbines will be micro-sited to minimise the potential impact on fauna habitat with turbine heights selected Do wind farms harm birds? to minimize the overlap between rotor swept area and While wind farms are sometimes accused of threatening birds, an energy governance study bird flight heights. completed in Singapore has shown that wind farms Other mitigation measures include preparing harm 17 times fewer birds per unit of electricity management plans, identifying ‘no-go zones’ within produced than fossil fuel generation. the project site and conducting pre-clearance surveys. Neoen also consults with government departments Studies show that wind farms are probably of environment and biodiversity throughout the responsible for impacting birds at rates that are: development, construction and operational stages – 400 times fewer than cars of projects, as well as local non-government organisations. – 500 times fewer than pesticides – 1200 times fewer than high-tension wires*
Page 19 www.kentbruckgreenpowerhub.com.au
0431 300 834 [email protected]