Yandin 330kV Wind Farm Line & Terminal

Overview

The Yandin Wind Farm is located approximately 175km north of Perth. Compromising 51 4.2MW Turbines,the Wind Farm connects to Western Power’s 330kV Electricity Network via a new 10km Transmission Line and Terminal Switchyard which Genus was tasked to design and construct.

The area lays claim to some of the strongest and most consistent winds in the country. With a capacity factor of around 50 per cent, Yandin will power the equivalent of approximately 200,000 households across Western Australia each year.

The Terminal consists of over 150,000 tonnes of sand fill and 1,200 cubic metres of concrete. Tying into the existing 330kV Mid-West Transmission Line, the location of the Terminal has been carefully thought out to ensure minimal impact on the environment, utilising existing cleared areas. Genus was able to work with Western Power to create a very expedited schedule to ensure we met the tight deadlines. 

This project demonstrates how Genus are integrating some of Western Australia’s most significant Wind Farm Infrastructure.

Disciplines Employed

• Design & Procurement
• Foundation Construction
• Steel Erection (Towes, Poles, Gantries)
• Tilt Panel Construction
• Electrical Works
• Stringing & cut-ins
• Commissioning & Handover

Scope of Works

• Design
• Procurement
• Approvals
• Bulk Earthworks 
  • Clearing
  • Dewatering
  • Drainage
  • Topsoil Stripping
  • Import fill material and compact (up to 2.8m high) 
• Construction
  • Foundation Installation
  • Cable Trench Installation
  • Earthing Installation
  • Building Control Room (steel frame and precast concrete tilt panel)
  • Steelwork Installation
  • Soak wells, Septic and Potable Water Tank Installation
  • Mechanical and Electrical Systems Installation
  • Security Infrastructure Installation
  • Stringing Works
  • Communications Works
  • Boundary Fencing Installation
• Testing & Commissioning

Outcome

Genus have successfully completed all stages of the works to date with the 330kV Transmission Lines and Terminal commissioned in June 2020. We completed the full scope without a major incident which is a credit to our dedicated teams.

The Transmission Line – which is 10km long – had to traverse over several landowners, including the Iluka Mineral Sand Mine. Genus designed the route in a such a way to minimise the impact to the mine to ensure the ore bodies were avoided. Black Cockatoos were also prevalent in the area and through careful surveys we ensured there was no impact on their habitat.

The wind farm now connects to Western Power’s 330 kV electricity South West Interconnected System network since June 2020.