Origin Energy scraps Skye Ridge Wind Farm as building costs jump 50 per cent
Origin Energy abandons its 870-megawatt Skye Ridge Wind Farm project after building costs rose roughly 50 per cent since 2020.
Origin Energy has ended its plans for the 870-megawatt Skye Ridge Wind Farm near Walcha in NSW. The company cited a roughly 50 per cent increase in construction costs since 2020, making the project uneconomical.
The decision also follows Squadron Energy's July cancellation of the nearby Boorolong Wind Farm, a 426-megawatt project. Skye Ridge and Boorolong both faced significant local opposition from residents and landowners.
Walcha farmer Kimmie Cameron said she is beyond elated the development appears over. Her valley faced 11 turbines directly in view.
Origin says it remains committed to the New England Renewable Energy Zone. It will focus on its Northern Tablelands wind project instead.
The zone is the subject of a court challenge questioning its legality.
- 870 megawatts
- Skye Ridge capacity
- roughly 50 per cent
- Cost increase since 2020
- 426 megawatts
- Boorolong capacity
- 11 directly in front
- Turbines at Kimmie Cameron's location
Why it mattersThe cancellation removes a major renewable energy project, complicating Australia's clean energy transition but relieving local communities opposed to the development.
AustraliaIn regional NSW, Skye Ridge's cancellation removes plans for 870 megawatts of renewable generation, affecting the state's renewable energy targets and local jobs.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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