WestWind Energy, The Buloke Times

Victoria’s premier wind farm developer, WestWind Energy, welcomes the Victorian State Government’s commitment to the renewable energy transition with the release of the Victorian Transmission Plan.

WestWind’s Managing Director, Tobi Geiger, says “Today’s announcement by VicGrid follows months, if not years, of meaningful engagement and considering feedback from many stakeholders. It puts in place a comprehensive plan to build the necessary infrastructure in the right place to support the energy transition.

“The VTP is an important step towards ensuring that Renewable Energy Zones and upgrades to the electricity transmission network are adequate to host new renewable energy generation.”

WestWind commends the Victorian Government on its meaningful engagement with communities, traditional owners and industry in the preparation of this important plan. WestWind also acknowledges the leadership of the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, MP, Minister for Energy and Climate Action, and her support for renewable energy generation industry across the state.

Focus area

“The Wimmera and Mallee are areas of outstanding renewable energy resources – both solar and wind – and for that reason they have become a focus area for us. The establishment of the Western Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) confirms our thinking and has the potential to become one of six green energy powerhouses in Victoria for generations to come,” said Mr Geiger.

“The Western REZ will contribute significantly to meeting Victoria’s – and Australia’s – renewable energy targets and will also bring billions of dollars in investment, including shared benefits to these important regions.”

Several wind farms

WestWind has several wind farms already in development in Victoria. Two in the Western REZ – Warracknabeal Energy Park and Wilkur Energy Park – and another in the North West REZ – Normanville Energy Park. Combined, these projects could drive more than $5 billion dollars of investment into regional Victoria and supply green energy to more than 1.8 million Victorian households, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 6.4 million tonnes per year.

Mr Geiger stated, “The west and north-west of Victoria can play a critical role in addressing climate change and securing Victoria’s future energy needs with minimal impacts to biodiversity and existing land uses such as agriculture.

“The selection of Renewable Energy Zones in the VTP demonstrates Vic Grid’s and the Victorian Government’s appreciation of these regions for their remarkable potential to generate renewable energy in appropriate locations.”

WestWind has been successfully developing wind farms in Victoria since 2004. These include Lal Lal Wind Farm, Moorabool Wind Farm and Mt Mercer Wind Farm in central Victoria, as well as Golden Plains Wind Farm, currently under construction. When complete, Golden Plains will become the largest wind farm in Australia, capable of meeting 9 per cent of Victoria’s electricity demand. For more information, please visit w-wind.com.au.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 19 August 2025.