A large Australian wind project with Siemens Gamesa on hire for wind turbine supply could be delayed by up to 15 months, reports media Renew Economy.

Forest Wind, the project in question, has a planned capacity of 1.2 GW and will be located in the Australian federal state of Queensland.

The project is being developed by a joint venture consisting of local utility Clean Sight and Siemens Financial Services.

Initially, installing Forest Wind was supposed to start in 2021 after receiving approvals in the preceding year. Although the timetable is now shifted to the second half of 2022, and in all likelihood construction will first commence in 2023, according to the media.

"One of the factors impacting the project has been Covid-19, as it has limited our ability to travel, meet with stakeholders and collaborate face-to-face," project developers write, as cited by Renew Economy: "Whilst we have been able to transition many activities to online meetings and digital work, Covid-19 has created some disruption."

Developing the wind farm, set to feature up to 226 wind turbines, is forecast to cost around AUD 2bn (EUR 1.27bn).

"As a result of this delay, Forest Wind Holdings and Siemens Gamesa are not only taking the opportunity to revise the program and enhance the approach to market," the media reports the developers stating.

English Edit: Daniel Frank Christensen

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