Australia’s oldest commercial wind farm, the Codrington Wind Farm in Victoria, is set to be decommissioned in 2027, marking a significant turning point in the country’s renewable energy landscape. Despite its prime location near Port Fairy in southwest Victoria, the site will not be repowered due to the high costs and regulatory challenges associated with upgrading the facility, according to Pacific Blue, the company operating the wind farm.
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A Landmark Decision in Australia’s Renewable Energy Sector
Why Repowering Codrington Is Not Viable
Codrington Wind Farm, commissioned in 2001, has a capacity of 18.2 megawatts (MW), utilizing 1.3 MW turbines with a hub height of 50 meters and blade tip height of 81 meters. However, modern wind turbines are vastly different:
- New turbines are rated between 6 MW and 8 MW per unit.
- Blade tip heights now exceed 200 meters.
- Spacing requirements have changed significantly to accommodate larger turbine sizes.
Due to these advancements, repowering Codrington would require:
- New foundations and repositioning of turbines.
- Upgraded grid connections to handle increased energy output.
- Complete re-approval of regulatory permits and grid agreements.
According to a Pacific Blue spokesperson, the costs and logistical hurdles associated with repowering make it financially unviable:
“The site’s grid connection would require significant upgrades, and today’s turbine siting requirements would preclude the installation of latest-generation turbines, resulting in a non-financially viable project.”
The Decommissioning Process and Future Land Use
Pacific Blue, formerly known as Pacific Hydro before being acquired by China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) in 2023, has initiated discussions with:
- Moyne Shire Council
- State authorities
- Regulatory agencies
These conversations focus on the decommissioning timeline and site rehabilitation plans. The company met with local landowners in 2024 and must complete the decommissioning process within 12 months of the wind farm’s final operation, as per its operating permit.
Community input will play a crucial role in deciding:
- How the land will be rehabilitated post-decommissioning.
- How infrastructure, including turbines and other materials, will be recycled.
What This Means for Other Ageing Wind Farms
Codrington’s closure raises questions about the future of other ageing wind farms in Australia. One nearby facility, the 30 MW Yambuk Wind Farm, which was commissioned in 2007, is also nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Yambuk is part of the broader 195 MW Portland Wind Project, which includes four wind farms built between 2007 and 2011.
- While Pacific Blue has not yet announced decommissioning plans for Yambuk, the company has stated that Codrington’s closure is its immediate priority.
The Bigger Picture: Challenges and Opportunities for Australia’s Wind Energy Future
Codrington’s decommissioning underscores the growing challenges faced by ageing wind farms. As Australia continues its transition to renewable energy, industry leaders must address key issues:
- The high costs of repowering and upgrading infrastructure.
- The need for more efficient recycling solutions for old wind turbines.
- How to manage the transition from older wind farms to next-generation renewable projects.
With offshore wind projects gaining momentum—such as the nearby Southern Wind Zone in Victoria—new energy infrastructure may eventually replace some ageing onshore sites.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Australian Wind Energy
The decision to decommission rather than repower Codrington Wind Farm signals a new phase in Australia’s renewable energy strategy. As the country balances sustainability, costs, and technological advancements, the fate of many ageing wind farms will hinge on financial viability, regulatory frameworks, and grid infrastructure upgrades.
While Codrington may be shutting down, the lessons learned from its closure, recycling process, and land rehabilitation efforts will help shape the future of wind energy projects across Australia.
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