Codrington Wind Farm Decommissioning Learn more about this groundbreaking project Decommissioning: The Minds As the Codrington Wind Farm reaches the end of its life, Pacific Blue is leading an Australian-first approach to responsibly decommission and recycle its turbines. Decommissioning: Here is how we're looking to do it Pacific Blue is setting a benchmark for decommissioning of renewable energy assets as they approach the end of their technical life. We're capturing the life and legacy of a true energy pioneer. As the windfarm approaches the end of its technical designed lifespan, Pacific Blue is preparing for it to be decommissioned, marking the beginning of an historic first in Australia. Our Wind Fleet Manager, Shaun Harrison, shares insights into Codrington’s remarkable journey and its lasting impact on the renewable energy landscape. The Codrington Wind Farm in southwest Victoria was the nation’s first commercial wind farm. Steve Garner, CEO of Prince Engineering Pty Ltd, played an instrumental role in bringing the project to life 25 years ago. As Codrington approaches decommissioning, Steve reflects on the project’s pioneering contribution to the wind industry and the lasting impact on not only his business but the local community. History The Codrington Wind Farm was Pacific Blue’s first wind development and Australia’s first commercial wind farm. Located near Port Fairy, in southwest Victoria, the site was regarded as close to perfect, with strong prevailing winds blowing off the Southern Ocean. It was officially opened by the Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, in July 2001. Its development injected more than $9M into the regional economy and its construction created employment opportunities with local companies assisting with the installation of roads, foundations, towers, transformers and cabling. For almost 25 years, Pacific Blue has proudly invested in local community initiatives via the Sustainable Communities Fund. Decommissioning The Codrington Wind Farm is approaching the end of its original intended lifespan and Pacific Blue has announced plans to cease operations by 2027. The windfarm will be decommissioned, which will include the removal of its 14 turbines. Decommissioning of wind farm assets is new to Australia and Pacific Blue will be the first in the nation to decommission an entire wind farm. As the first project of its kind in Australia, Pacific Blue understands the significance of this undertaking and is approaching the project with great responsibility. We intend to pioneer best practice in the area of decommissioning renewable energy sites. It has been decided all turbines at Codrington will be dismantled on site using cranes, following the reverse sequence of their original installation. While alternative approaches were considered, they did not meet key criteria, including from a social licence and community expectation perspective, and were therefore not pursued. Pacific Blue is committed to working closely with industry partners, government agencies, regulators and the local community throughout the Codrington Wind Farm’s decommissioning to find the most responsible decommissioning solutions practicable, and mindful of sustainability considerations. Pacific Blue is leading the way in responsible decommissioning in Australia, striving to deliver innovative solutions that meet both the community’s expectations and industry standards. Links to statements Discussions underway on the responsible decommissioning of Codrington Wind Farm FAQS What is the size comparison of Codrington's current wind turbines to that of modern-day turbines? The current Codrington Wind Farm site is not large enough for modern wind turbines and the current turbines are much smaller than newer designs: Codrington Wind Farm 1990s turbines are rated 1.3 megawatt (MW) each Hub height of 50 metres and blade tip height of 81 metres Modern designs New turbines are rated between 6MW and 8MW capacity Hub height of 149 metres and blade tip height of 200 metres and above New wind turbines are designed to generate six times more energy than the turbines at Codrington. What are the limitations for the Codrington wind farm that have rendered it unsuitable for upgrades? The expected lifespan of a wind farm is approximately 20 to 30 years. The Codrington Wind Farm, in Victoria’s southwest, was Australia’s first commercial wind farm, and the largest in Australia, when it opened in 2001. At 24 years of age, the Codrington site has already undergone previous works to extend its lifespan, and Pacific Blue is not pursuing repowering the farm. What is expected to become of the land once the turbines have been removed? Pacific Blue’s permit and landholder agreements for Codrington Wind Farm stipulate that the land must be rehabilitated and returned to a condition suitable for agricultural use, such as grazing, within 12-months of operation.The land where the turbines are located will be rehabilitated to the satisfaction of the landowners and the regulatory authorities.Codrington Wind Farm has three landholders, which use their land for a variety of purposes, including agricultural use and a lime quarry. Once rehabilitation and remediation of the site has been finalised, it is up to the landholders with regard as to what to do with their land. What is Pacific Blue's next step towards decommissioning the wind farm? Pacific Blue is working alongside various researchers to understand best options for the varying levels of recycling available. We remain committed to working closely with industry partners, government agencies, regulators, and the local community to determine the future of the Codrington Wind Farm infrastructure. When can local stakeholders expect community engagement from Pacific Blue? Pacific Blue will begin engaging with the Great South-West community in the second half of 2025. This consultation will help inform the company’s decommissioning activities, address any potential traffic management impacts resulting from the project, communicate what the plans are for the site, and how Codrington’s role as a pioneering asset in demonstrating Victoria’s potential for renewable energy deployment. Files Planning Permit (141.86 KB) Learn more about this groundbreaking project For generations, Joe Crowe's family has farmed the land surrounding Codrington. Joe Crowe, a fourth-generation landholder at Codrington, shares his experience of partnering with the project and reflects on its place in his family's legacy. Decommissioning: The Facts Hear how we're working to maximise recycling, avoid landfill where possible, and return the site to its original state, ensuring the project leaves a positive legacy for the industry, the community and the environment. Decommissioning: The Approach Learn how Pacific Blue is partnering with researchers and industry experts to find sustainable pathways for turbine materials beyond their first life. Empowering local communities. Learn how our Community Benefit Sharing Program gives back to the communities that host our projects with positive and lasting social, environmental, and economic benefits. Learn more Contact Us We’re here for you via chat, email or phone, Monday to Friday. Ways to contact us