Lincoln Gap Wind Farm reaches significant milestone amidst financial concerns.
The Lincoln Gap Wind Farm has reached a significant milestone despite growing concerns regarding the financial future of the project.
Last week one of the wind farm's turbines exported its first meaningful generation to South Australia's electricity grid. Since then, another two wind turbines have commenced operations.
Project developer Nexif Energy said the $480 million project is back on track after reaching a payment deal with struggling construction partner, Senvion.
In order to ensure construction continues, provision of funding for Senvion's on-site subcontractors will be made through direct payment of amounts owing.
Nexif Energy said they have been working hard on a positive pathway forward for the project and its workers over the past two weeks since becoming aware of Senvion's difficulties.
"We are pleased with the progress made on commissioning by Senvion Australia in light of the uncertainty over the past two weeks and look forward to continuing good progress given the new arrangements in place to channel financing to the project's subcontractors and service providers," Founder and Co-CEO of Nexif Energy Matthew Bartley said.
Work on the project is said to be progressing nicely as erected turbines are being commissioned with increased pace.
One extra tall crane is currently on site for lifting the wind turbines on top of the towers and a second similar crane is due on site in early May.
The arrival of a second crane is hoped to significantly speed up the project timeline, with more turbines exporting more power to the grid over the coming months.
The Lincoln Gap Wind Farm is being built on farmland on a raised plateau next to the Eyre Highway near Port Augusta.
It is expected to be fully operational from mid 2020.