Description

The Alinta Wind Farm, commonly known as the Walkaway Wind Farm, is located in the central west region of Western Australia, near the town of Walkaway, approximately 30 km south east of Geraldton and 12 km inland from the Indian Ocean.

The area surrounding Geraldton is one of the windiest regions in Australia. Wind speeds average 20-25 km/h during the cooler months and 25-35 km/h from October to March; a result of the strong seasonal sea breeze coupled with a consistent easterly breeze in the morning – perfect ingredients for wind power.

Alinta wind farm is located in open farming country, allowing for optimum spacing of turbines. There are minimal obstructions in the landscape and smooth topography, which is beneficial to the output of the wind farm. Wind farming is compatible with agricultural activities such as stock grazing and broad acre crops. The wind turbines at Alinta wind farm occupy less than one per cent of farm land within the site.

Construction of Alinta began in late 2004, with the wind farm becoming fully operational in January 2006.