Construction of the Uungula Wind Farm in New South Wales, Australia, has reached another significant milestone with the commencement of turbine pre-installation activities. Developer Squadron Energy has begun assembling the lower tower sections of the project’s 69 wind turbines.
Uungula wind farm is one of the most important renewable energy projects currently under construction in NSW and is expected to play a major role in supporting the state’s energy transition.
Uungula Wind Farm turbine pre-installation underway
According to Squadron Energy, pre-installation work commenced earlier this month and involves the use of two assist cranes to erect the lower sections of each turbine tower. The process includes installing the base section and three mid-tower sections, creating the first 83 meters of each structure before the arrival of larger lifting equipment for final assembly. Individual tower sections weigh between 76 and 82 tons.
Project Director Sanjay Goel described the milestone as a major step forward for the development. Goel also notes that the assembly of the first tower sections demonstrates strong construction momentum and brings the project closer to delivering large-scale clean energy generation.
Additionally, the use of assist cranes is expected to improve safety and efficiency. This is by reducing the number of complex high-elevation lifts required during the final installation phase.
A major renewable energy project for New South Wales
Located on Wiradjuri Country approximately 14 kilometers east of Wellington in NSW, Uungula Wind Farm will have an installed capacity of 414 MW once complete. The project will feature 69 GE Vernova 6 MW wind turbines. It is also expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power more than 220,000 homes. This is while avoiding over 560,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.
The wind farm also forms part of Squadron Energy’s broader strategy to accelerate Australia’s clean energy transition. It also features in plans to strengthen electricity supply as ageing coal-fired generation assets retire across New South Wales. The project also benefits from a long-term power purchase agreement with Snowy Hydro, helping secure revenue certainty for the development. However, not all onshore wind projects have had a favorable chance to advance development as Uungula has. Some of these include the $1 billion Moonlight Range Wind Farm in Queensland that was cancelled last year by the state’s government despite having secured planning approval.
Turbine component deliveries continue
The start of tower assembly follows the arrival of the first major turbine components at the site earlier this year. Oversize over-mass deliveries from the Port of Newcastle are currently transporting hundreds of turbine components to the project site, with approximately 100 components delivered so far. Larger turbine blades will be transported later following completion of upgrades to the Mitchell Highway and Goolma Road intersection, ensuring safe passage for oversized loads.
Each turbine consists of 13 major components, including tower sections, nacelles, hubs and blades. Earlier project updates also indicated that nearly 900 components would ultimately be transported from the Port of Newcastle to support installation activities.
Expected economic and regional benefits from Squadron’s Uungula Wind Farm
Beyond its renewable energy contribution, Uungula Wind Farm is generating substantial economic benefits for the Central West region. The project is expected to create approximately 250 construction jobs. It has also delivered significant regional investment through infrastructure upgrades, local procurement opportunities and workforce development initiatives. Squadron Energy also estimates the project will contribute around A$41 million in regional economic investment over its development and construction phases.
Uungula Wind Farm Project Fact Sheet
Location: Wellington, New South Wales
Capacity: 414 MW
Turbines: 69 GE Vernova 6 MW wind turbines
Status: Under Construction
Current Milestone: Turbine pre-installation and tower assembly underway
Homes Powered: More than 220,000
Annual Emissions Avoided: Over 560,000 tons CO2
Construction Jobs: Approximately 250
Expected Operational Period: 2027-2028
Regional Investment: Approximately A$41 million
Project Team
Developer: Squadron Energy
Wind Turbine Supplier: GE Vernova
Owner’s Engineer: AECOM
PPA Partner: Snowy Hydro
Transmission Infrastructure Contractor: Downer Group
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