Watta Wella Renewable Energy

Community Benefits

RES is committed to giving back to the communities that host our renewable energy projects. A community benefit sharing program will be established to share a portion of revenue from the Watta Wella Renewable Energy Project with the surrounding communities. The program, which would commence during Project construction, will provide positive and lasting benefits to the local community that extend beyond the life of the project. 

Where possible, RES also sponsors local community groups, clubs and projects. We are currently on the lookout for sponsorship opportunities in the local area. If you are seeking sponsorship and your organisation is located in the surrounding area please contact us. 

Employment

The Watta Wella Renewable Energy Project will generate a significant number of jobs during construction. Approximate numbers for each part of the project are below:

• The Watta Wella Wind Farm will require up to 100 direct full time equivalent (FTE) positions during its approximately 24 month construction period.
• The Watta Wella Battery Energy Storage Facility will require up to 60 direct equivalent (FTE) positions during its approximately 18 month construction.

Beyond construction, the projects will require the following staffing:

• The Watta Wella Wind Farm will require up to 10 direct FTE positions during operations and maintenance of the facility.
• The Watta Wella Battery Storage Facility will require up to 10 direct FTE positions during operations and maintenance of the facility. 

Based on the project site, these residential roles are anticipated to exist for the operational life of the project. The operational period is also expected to create further supply chain employment.

Environmental Benefits

The Watta Wella Renewable Energy Project will contribute to the Victorian Renewable Energy Target of 50% renewables by 2030 and the long term target of net zero emissions by 2050.

Additional benefits include:

• Minimal impact on the productivity of traditional farming activities;
• Pre-construction land uses can be fully re-established post decommissioning;
• Smaller environmental footprint than comparative forms of generation;
• Additional fire breaks and improves access roads for firefighting;
• The wind farm will generate clean renewable energy to power approximately 190,000 Victorian homes per year*; and
• Additional energy supplies to help meet the growing energy demand in Victoria.

*average total annual consumption in Victoria is 4681 kWh (Source: AER)