Lyla Lindsey
Wind energy is one of Australia's biggest sources of renewable energy, alongside solar and hydropower. As of 2024, a $22.7 billion program is aimed at making Australia a 'renewable energy superpower'. Wind farms are constructed in elevated places, and as of 2025, all of Australia's wind capacity is designated as onshore wind. Most of the country's wind farms are situated in coastal areas, with South Australia possessing 54% of the country's installed wind capacity.
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What You'll Learn
Wind farms in Western Australia
Western Australia has ideal conditions for wind farms, with its lengthy coastline and consistently windy weather. In fact, WA was home to the first wind farm in Australia, the Salmon Beach Wind Farm near Esperance, which operated for 15 years until 2002. There are currently 20 operational wind farms in the state, with one under construction and a further 31 projects proposed.
The growth of wind energy in regional WA has been rapid, with community leaders expressing concern about the management of the process and its impact on the community, farmland, and the environment. They are calling for clarity on the overall economic benefits for smaller towns and legal protections for landholders impacted by the wind towers.
Despite these concerns, wind power is an important part of WA's energy generation mix, with wind energy listed as Australia's leading source of clean energy in 2020, supplying 35.9% of the country's renewable energy and 9.9% of Australia's overall electricity.
A key focus of many renewable energy projects in WA is combining the generation capabilities of solar and wind power. For example, the Kalbarri microgrid, commissioned in 2021, is a joint initiative between several organisations and the Kalbarri community. WA is also exploring the potential of adding small wind turbines to telecommunications towers to capture wind and generate renewable energy.
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Wind farms in Tasmania
Wind farms are one of Australia's biggest renewable energy resources, and as of 2023, there are over 300 wind farm projects currently in operation, under construction, or proposed in the country. Tasmania is building its portfolio of wind farms, with 10 currently operational or being constructed with a generation capacity of over 1 MW.
One of these is the Cattle Hill Wind Farm, which has been open to the public for the Clean Energy Council (CEC) Open Day. This is an annual event where the Australian public can learn more about renewable energy. The CEC Open Day involves wind farms across four states opening their gates to the public for informative activities. The Cattle Hill Wind Farm team received positive feedback from attendees, who were impressed by the size of the investment in the renewable energy project.
Goldwind Australia, the recipient of the 2021 Innovation Award for IdentiFlight, a cutting-edge avian detection system, operates at the Cattle Hill Wind Farm. The site is also known for its welcoming staff, who are prepared to talk and offer informative tours.
Wind power is generated through wind turbines, where kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy. The propellers at the top of the tower catch the wind currents, which then spin gears connected to a generator. Wind farms are constructed in elevated places to benefit from increased wind speeds, with many wind turbines reaching a build height of up to 160 meters.
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Wind farms in New South Wales
Wind farms are a significant source of renewable energy in Australia, and New South Wales (NSW) is no exception. NSW boasts world-class wind resources, particularly along its east coast and in regions along the higher exposed parts of the Great Dividing Range, such as New England and the Southern Highlands. These areas benefit from consistently high average wind speeds and proximity to existing transmission lines, making them ideal locations for wind farms.
As of 2018, NSW had over 800 megawatts of wind generation capacity under construction, with projects set to almost double the state's total wind energy capacity. One notable project is the Sapphire Wind Farm in the New England region, which, with a capacity of 270 megawatts, is expected to become the largest wind farm in NSW. The Sapphire Wind Farm also stands out as Australia's first community co-investment into a large-scale wind farm, inviting members of the community to invest in this renewable energy project.
As of 2023, there are around ten large-scale (over 5 megawatts) operational wind farms in NSW, with a potential capacity to generate enough energy to power over 330,000 homes annually. Several of these wind farms have a capacity greater than 100 megawatts. The NSW Government has released a Wind Energy Guideline to provide clarity, consistency, and transparency in the assessment and decision-making processes for wind energy projects.
NSW's long coastline and stable continental shelf also present immense potential for offshore wind power generation. With a strong pipeline of proposed new wind energy projects, the state is well-positioned to contribute significantly to Australia's renewable energy goals. Wind farms in NSW not only promote investment and growth in regional areas but also provide a cost-effective, non-rainfall-dependent income stream for farming communities.
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Wind energy as a tourist attraction
Wind energy is one of Australia's biggest renewable energy resources, and the country's wind farms are attracting tourists. As of 2023, there are over 300 wind farm projects in operation, under construction, or proposed in Australia. The country's abundant wind resources provide an opportunity for the renewable energy sector to grow, and wind farms have become a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.
In Victoria, the official tourism website of Port Fairy and Moyne Shire lists the Codrington wind farm as a tourist attraction, offering educational tours that include information about the farm's history. The Wattle Range council also promotes a "wind farm tourist" drive, inviting visitors to "gaze in awe at the mighty wind turbines that stretch as far as the eye can see." The Snowtown wind farm in South Australia is another popular destination, despite the town's association with a notorious crime.
Tasmania, known for its commitment to clean energy, has several wind farm assets that attract tourists. The Musselroe wind farm, for example, hosts special interest groups ranging from shipwreck divers to school groups, offering tailored educational packages that include indigenous history and culture taught by local Aboriginal elders. The largest wind farm in Australia is Coopers Gap Wind Farm in Queensland, which began generating power in June 2019 and has a capacity of 453 MW.
Community consultation and direct public involvement in wind farm projects have been key to increasing community approval and driving the establishment of wind farms in Australia. The country's wind power initiatives, such as the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET), have contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with wind power saving Australia an estimated 5,100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2010. As wind energy continues to grow as a significant source of renewable energy in Australia, it is likely that wind farms will become even more popular as tourist destinations.
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Wind farms and the environment
Australia has a diverse and abundant wind resource, and wind farms are found across the country, particularly in the southern and eastern states. When considering wind farms and their relationship with the environment, several key aspects come into focus.
One of the most significant environmental benefits of wind farms is their contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Wind energy is a clean and renewable source of power that
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Frequently asked questions
Most of Australia's wind farms are found in coastal areas. As of 2025, all of Australia's wind farms are onshore. However, the Federal Government designated the Bass Strait off Gippsland as the country's first offshore wind zone in December 2022.
As of 2023, there are more than 300 wind farm projects currently in operation, under construction or proposed in Australia.
South Australia has 54% of the country's installed wind capacity, despite comprising only 7.2% of the population.
Some examples of wind farms in Australia include the Coopers Gap Wind Farm in Queensland and the Golden Plains Wind Farm in Victoria.
Wind energy is one of Australia's biggest renewable energy resources and is also one of the cheapest sources of electricity in the country. Wind farms have helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with an estimated saving of 5,100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2010 alone.
