South Australia’s largest wind farm has turned to local manufacturers to help power its turbines.

The first locally-built tower for the Snowtown II wind farm is near completion at the manufacturer’s Whyalla plant.

The wind tower project is a collaboration between the State Government, global technology company Siemens – which is building the wind farm – and local manufacturer E&A Contractors.

The State Government contributed $2 million towards upgrading the E&A Whyalla plant, which led to the company securing the project.
 
Premier Jay Weatherill, who toured the E&A plant today, said the project demonstrated South Australia’s ability to participate in major and technically complex projects using local capabilities.

“This is a great example of how we can make things locally for major projects, working in collaboration with global companies like Siemens,” Mr Weatherill said.

“About 20 of the 90 towers for the Snowtown II wind farm are being made here at E&A Contractors in Whyalla and I am pleased to be commissioning the first one today.

“The project is supporting our economy with 120 local jobs and it is a great vote of confidence in our advanced manufacturing capabilities.”

In total, South Australia’s support of wind farms has led to about $3 billion capital investment in the State, which has translated to more than 800 direct jobs.
 
Siemens chief executive officer Jeff Connolly said that Siemens set a high quality standard for all supply elements in such projects.

“It is extremely pleasing that E&A Contractors have been able to prequalify for this type of work,” Mr Connolly said.
 
“It’s a great outcome for Australian manufacturing.

“It shows that with the desire of project companies to support the development of local companies, and through the right sort of Government assistance, local manufacturing can be an integral part of major projects.
 
“I congratulate the South Australian Government for their determination and E&A for taking on such a technically complex project. And we look forward to a continuing pipeline of projects to consolidate and expand the expertise gained on successfully establishing local manufacturing capability.”

Construction of the $439 million Snowtown II wind farm commenced in October 2012 and will be completed and operational by the end of 2014.

The Snowtown II wind farm will be South Australia’s largest wind farm, generating enough electricity to power 180,000 homes.