Construction has commenced on the $400 million second stage of the Warradarge Wind Farm near Eneabba, marking a major step in Western Australia’s renewable energy transition and boosting clean power supply for homes and businesses across the state.
The project will add 30 new wind turbines to the existing 51 turbines, which have been operational since 2020, the government said in a news release.
Once completed, the expanded facility will deliver up to 283 megawatts (MW) of wind energy into the South West Interconnected System, making it the largest wind farm in Western Australia by both capacity and generation.
The new turbines will match the existing ones in size, featuring 67-metre-long blades and a tip height of 152 metres.
The expansion is being led by Bright Energy Investments, a joint venture between government-owned Synergy and Potentia Energy. Synergy has contributed $28.8 million to the project. Earthworks are already underway, with construction expected to peak in job creation at more than 120 roles and to be completed by 2027.
WA Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson visited the site to observe the early stages of construction and underscored the project’s role in the state’s broader energy transition strategy.
“I am pleased to announce construction starting on this important wind energy project for WA,” Sanderson said. “The expansion of Warradarge Wind Farm represents a significant increase and contribution to renewable power generation in WA.”
With the State Government planning to shut down coal-fired power stations by 2030, large-scale renewable projects like Warradarge Stage 2 are seen as essential to meeting future electricity demand. The expansion is part of a wider pipeline of more than 9,800 MW in renewable energy, storage, and gas projects expected to come online by the end of the decade.
“This project along with other grid-scale wind and solar farms and big batteries will enable us to exit coal by 2030 – faster than any other State,” Sanderson said. “Relying on coal-fired power generation no longer makes sense – economically or environmentally.”
When fully operational, the expanded wind farm will be capable of powering around 164,000 households annually. The Mid West region’s strong wind resources have made it a focal point for renewable development.
“Warradarge Stage 2 is not just about building a bigger wind farm – it’s about building a better future for generations to come,” Sanderson added.
Bright Energy Investments General Manager Tom Frood said the expansion would solidify the wind farm’s reputation as one of Australia’s most efficient renewable assets.
“Warradarge Wind Farm is recognised as one of the best in the country and Stage 2 will consolidate this success,” Frood said. “We will continue to work closely with the local community and stakeholders to ensure the project benefits everyone.”
