Synergy community event gives locals a close-up view of giant turbine blade at King Rocks wind farm near Hyden

About 60 locals took the opportunity to get a close-up view of the giant turbines of the King Rocks wind farm at a Synergy community event on August 19.

The star of the show was the 80m wind turbine blade which was on display but will soon be hoisted into the sky as part of the ongoing wind farm construction.

Parked at a nearby truck bay, the V162 Vesta blade was one of 51 which are being transported 450km from the Port of Bunbury to the Wheatbelt construction site.

It will eventually be installed 125m up the top of the turbine tower.

The other turbine components have already been delivered to site, including 85 tower sections, 17 turbine hubs, 17 nacelles and 17 powertrains.

A nascelle is the weatherproof housing at the top of the tower which holds critical machinery, while a powertrain — also called drivetrains — drives the conversion of the spinning blades into usable electricity.

Construction of the wind farm is progressing, with three turbines now in place.

Once complete, the wind farm will comprise 17 turbines capable of generating up to 105 megawatts of renewable electricity — enough to power around 70,000 homes each year.

It is expected to be operational in 2027.

WA Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the event had given the community a chance to see a grand project at close quarters.

“It was a rare opportunity for the Hyden community to see the technology being installed at King Rocks wind farm that will power WA’s energy future,” she said.

“Seeing a turbine blade up close helps bring the scale of the project to life and gives locals a better understanding of the incredible renewable infrastructure being built in their region.

“The project is an important part of strengthening our energy system as we work to transform WA into a renewable energy powerhouse.”

Wheatbelt Minister Sabine Winton said the wind farm would boost the local economy.

“The Wheatbelt region will play a critical role in Western Australia’s renewable energy transition,” she said.

“Construction of the King Rocks wind farm will unlock new job opportunities and diversify the local economy.”