Alinta chief executive officer Bob Browning said development of the 90 MW Alinta Wind Farm was an important step closer following the Western Australian Government’s announcement of Top Up and Spill (TUAS) market rules.

Browning said the introduction of TUAS was an essential element in creating a level playing field for renewable power producers.

“The State Government is to be congratulated for the introduction of more equitable balancing arrangements,” Browning said.

“Their commitment to reforming the current system – and in particular introducing TUAS - has encouraged Alinta to pursue renewable energy opportunities. We are delighted that they have delivered on their promise.”

In March 2004, Alinta signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Renewable Power Ventures Pty Ltd (RPV) to enable RPV to develop a $200 million wind farm situated 35 km south east of Geraldton in Western Australia’s mid-west. Alinta will take all electricity generated from the facility for sale to its electricity customer portfolio in WA.

The power purchase agreement was conditional upon, amongst other things, the TUAS rules being introduced. Alinta and RPV are now finalising other necessary agreements in order for the deal to reach unconditional status.

With a capacity of 90 megawatts, the Alinta Wind Farm will be by far the largest in Western Australia, capable of powering the equivalent of 60,000 homes.