Wind power is currently the cheapest source of large-scale renewable energy. It involves generating electricity from the naturally occurring power of the wind. Wind turbines capture wind energy within the area swept by their blades. The spinning blades drive an electrical generator that produces electricity for export to the grid.
Technological advances in the sector mean that wind turbines are now larger, more efficient and make use of intelligent technology. Rotor diameters and hub heights have increased to capture more energy per turbine. The advancing technology means that fewer turbines are needed to produce the same energy, and wind farms have increasingly sophisticated adaptive capability.
For the first time, wind overtook hydro as Australia's leading source of clean energy in 2019, supplying 35.4 per cent of the country's clean energy and 9.5 per cent of Australia's overall electricity. Over 837 MW of wind energy was installed in 2019, making it the best ever year for the sector.
of total clean energy generated in 2019
of total electricity generated in 2019
Eight wind farms were commissioned in 2019, adding 837 MW of new generating capacity, which was the highest amount added in the history of the Australian wind industry. At the end of 2019, 30 wind farms with a combined capacity of 5.5 GW were under construction or financially committed nationally.
projects commissioned in 2019
8projects under construction or due to start soon
30The largest project commissioned in 2019 was AGL's 200 MW Silverton Wind Farm in north-western New South Wales. Other notable projects completed in 2019 include the 180 MW Mount Emerald Wind Farm in Queensland and APA Group's 130 MW wind farm that is part of the Badgingarra Renewable Facility.
You can view more detail on the projects that have been completed and are being constructed around the country on our project tracker page.
The majority of Australians support wind power. Even so, it is vitally important for wind farm companies to engage in good faith with people living in the vicinity of wind power projects.
To help promote a high standard of community engagement across the industry, the Clean Energy Council has developed a number of reports and guides which are available on our community engagement page.
