Stage two progressing as planned

Portland Observer
16/05/2007 Page: 1

SECTIONS of Cape Bridgewater have been transformed into construction sites with contractors having poured 16 of the 29 foundations for Pacific Hydro's Portland Wind Energy Project. The 58 megawatt stage two development will have 29 wind generators which will each produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 1000 Victorian homes. The second stage of the wider $330 million PWEP project is expected to be completed in the first half of next year.

Pacific Hydro PWEP site manager Danny Halstead said Portland-based firm GR Carr Pty Ltd had poured the 16th foundation last week, with each foundation taking an estimated 300 cubic metres of concrete. There is also 24 tonnes of steel in each foundation. "Porthaul has also completed more than 80 per cent of the access roads needed for the project," he said. Mr Halstead said the first tower was expected to be installed later this year, with nacelles expected to be shipped from Germany to Portland in September and October.'

Construction work at the substation next to Portland Aluminium is also well underway. Work at the substation will allow energy generated from the project to be fed into the National Electricity Grid. The PWEP will include two more stages - at capes Sir William Grant and Nelson. The first stage at Yambuk has already been completed. Pacific Hydro chief executive officer Rob Grant said he was very pleased Stage Two was on schedule. "We have a great workforce of local contractors and after almost four months of construction the project is progressing as planned," he said.