Our projects
Wind turbines
Commercial operations
Maximum capacity
Annual output
PPA partners
148k
Homes powered
511k
Tonnes of emissions avoided
259
Direct jobs created
$25m
Regional investment
The latest round of Squadron Energy’s Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund supported 14 community organisations in the Inverell area.
These organisations shared $90,000, with the Inverell Motorcycle Sports Club using the fund to purchase a power harrow and shelter shed.
The Inverell Community Youth Centre has provided essentials for disadvantaged youth such as hot food and activities, with support from Squadron Energy. The centre was the recipient of Squadron Energy’s Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.
As we look back on 2025, we are proud of the progress and milestones we have achieved this year.
Community programs and initiatives backed by Squadron Energy have been featured in the Best Practice Charter Report, highlighting the company’s commitment to community engagement and sustainability. Key initiatives include funding Disaster Relief Australia’s Big Map for emergency planning, delivering a First Nations training program in Wellington, leading research on bat collision risks at wind farms, and partnering with Dubbo Regional Council on an advanced wastewater treatment facility.
We are thrilled to announce that Rebecca Gilchrist is the recipient of our first Rural Women’s Day Scholarship supported by Squadron Energy.
Twelve Inverell Shire Community Organisations will share in almost $90,000 of funding thanks to round 1 of the 2025 Sapphire
Squadron Energy’s Sapphire Wind Farm has thrown its support behind the AFL North West by becoming the League’s official ball
Squadron Energy welcomes progress on the implementation of the Federal Government’s Developer Rating Scheme, which aims to promote best practice engagement among
Squadron Energy joined around 100 people at Armidale’s Town Hall to talk about the growing number of employment and business
Curious about wind energy and how wind farms work? Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions at
It has been a busy year for Squadron Energy. Read about our progress this year in our Year in review.
Sapphire Wind Farm Operations Manager, David Williamson presented the awards this week during the respective schools’ end-of-year presentation evenings. “We’re
Twice a year, Sapphire Wind Farm invites local community organisations to submit applications for a share of funding that can
The sponsorship supported all players in the Under 8 and Under 10 teams, in addition to providing all Cup players
The 22nd annual Ride For The Chopper saw 38 riders leave from Glen Innes on 13 September, raising funds for
The latest Electricity Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) from AEMO is a welcomed confirmation that renewable energy generation is on track to replace exiting coal
Twice a year, Squadron Energy’s Sapphire Wind Farm invites local community organisations to submit applications for a share of funding
Squadron Energy CEO Rob Wheals said: “The 2024 Integrated System Plan (ISP) reaffirms the comprehensive planning and implementation done to date on
As we continue on our mission to lead Australia’s clean energy transition, we look back on some of our key
The accolades were presented this week by Sapphire Wind Farm Operations Manager, David Williamson, during the respective schools’ end-of-year presentation
Twice a year, Squadron Energy’s Sapphire Wind Farm invites local community organisations to submit applications for a share of funding
After playing and training together all year, Inverell FC Mini Roo teams took to the field at this year’s Inverell
Squadron Energy is providing scholarships in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for students in the New England region, which
The Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund has awarded funding of just under $100,000 to 11 local organisations under round
We are getting on with the critical delivery of new renewable generation. As confirmed in the latest GenCost report from the CSIRO
Wind energy has come a long way in Australia since operations began at the first commercial wind farm in 1987.
CWP Renewables has joined forces with Squadron Energy to become the Australian leader in renewable energy. CWP Renewables was acquired
As part of CWP Renewables’ special Christmas round of sponsorships, more than $2,000 worth of toys were donated to a
Just under $75,000 has been awarded to 13 local organisations in round 2 of the 2022 Sapphire Wind Farm Community
Growth has been our theme for 2022. We completed construction on two wind farms, launched two new projects and delivered
Hosting a renewable energy project doesn’t just contribute to cleaner energy. It provides an additional income stream for the host,
Renewable energy developer and operator CWP Renewables is again calling on community groups and charities to apply for support in
As we enter the final quarter of 2022, we also mark National Safe Work Month – with SafeWork Australia this year encouraging
The transition to renewable energy has well and truly been in the spotlight to date this year. Not only have
Round 1 2022 of the Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund has kicked off with a bang, with the committee
As a leading renewable energy developer and operator, we have an asset management portfolio of more than 750 MW and
Fujitsu Australia today announced it has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for a term of 10 years sourcing renewable
Clean energy developer and operator CWP Renewables (CWPR) has launched its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), taking an important step
For the second year in a row, we’ve now had to face the challenges of living with a pandemic. Whilst
Food and beverage manufacturer Nestlé Australia has made the switch to 100% renewable electricity, entering into a power purchase agreement
Nine Inverell Shire community groups have snapped up a share of over $50,000 in grant funding from the most recent
Renewable energy developer and operator CWP Renewables is calling on community groups and charities to apply for sponsorship in a
CWP Renewables (CWPR) recently restructured its senior finance for Sapphire Wind Farm, the largest generating wind farm in NSW. The
International toll road operator Transurban has partnered with CWP Renewables (CWPR) to help power the company’s Sydney motorway network. Under
Step 1
Project identification and site selection
Identification and site selection is based on an analysis of opportunities and constraints including (but not limited to): distance to the electricity grid, wind resource and population density of the surrounding community. Our team then undertake a number of site visits and consultation with landowners in the area.
Project identification and site selection
Step 2
Project feasibility and community engagement
Site-specific investigations are undertaken to assess the impacts and opportunities of the project and feedback is sought from the local community.
Project feasibility and community engagement
Step 3
Development Application and Environmental Impact Statement
A Development Application is made and an EIS prepared which involves a wide range of studies to address stakeholder feedback received to date and to consider the potential environmental and social impacts of the project.
Development Application and Environmental Impact Statement
Step 4
Public exhibition and submissions report
The EIS is placed on public exhibition through the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Interested members of the public are invited to have their say during the exhibition period by way of formal submissions. A Submissions Report is then prepared, which aims to respond to the submissions received.
Public exhibition and submissions report
Step 5
Assessment and development consent
The project documents are assessed by the relevant government authorities. If determined, Development Consent is granted alongside a range of conditions specific to the project.
Assessment and development consent
Step 6
Post approval, contracting and financing
A lead contractor(s) to build the projectis appointed and all pre-construction approvals and consents are finalised. During this phase, the lead contractor(s) is provided with a list of local businesses that have registered their interest and capabilities through the project website.
Post approval, contracting and financing
Step 7
Procurement
During this phase our lead contractor(s) seek tenders and engage contractors and suppliers to undertake the scope of the works. Orders are then placed for major components such as the wind turbines.
Procurement
Step 8
Early works and design
Initial site activities commence, such as minor clearing and provision of access roads along with establishing a site construction compound. Off-site detailed design works commences in parallel.
Early works and design
Step 9
Major civil works
During this phase of the construction the bulk of the civil works takes place. This includes the construction of new internal access roads, excavation and construction of the turbine foundations, installation of the internal electrical reticulation system, construction of the high voltage substation and main transmission line network.
Major civil works
Step 10
Wind turbine erection
This is where the visual aspect of the wind farm starts to emerge, with large cranes lifting the tower sections, nacelle, hub and blades into place.
Wind turbine erection
Step 11
Commissioning
In order to export power to the grid, each turbine is required to undergo several performance tests. It is during this stage that you will start to see turbines spinning and ultimately the whole of the wind farm complete.
Commissioning
Step 12
Operations
The project is operating in accordance with relevant approval conditions and management plans. Compliance with conditions of approval and management plans is monitored as required throughout the life of the project.
Operations
Step 13
Decommissioning
The design life of the wind turbines will be at least 30 years. At the end of their useful life, the wind turbines and electrical equipment will be either replaced and the wind farm repowered, or the project will be decommissioned, and the site returned to its original use at the expense of the project.
Decommissioning
The purpose of a community consultative committee (CCC) is to provide a forum for open discussion.
It is a space for us to speak with representatives from the community, Inverell Shire and Glen Innes Severn Shire Councils and other stakeholders about specific matters relating to the wind project.
The CCC follows the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Community Consultative Committee Guidelines for State Significant Projects. Meeting minutes are provided below.
If you would like to get in touch with your local CCC member, please contact the Independent Chairperson:
We are proud to be pioneering Australia’s first, large-scale, public, community investment into a utility-scale wind farm. The Sapphire Wind Farm Community Co-investment allows members of the local community to invest in the Sapphire Wind Farm.
VPA documents are provided below.
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Mod 1 Appendix B1 Visual Assessment
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Response to Submissions May 2012
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Appendix 05 Stakeholder Consultation
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Appendix 09 Noise Impact Assessment
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Appendix 10 Low Frequency Noise
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Appendix 19 Bushfire Assessment
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Appendix 20 Bushfire Management Plan
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Appendix 22 Air Quality Assessment
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Biobanking Agreement Rockview South
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Biobanking Agreement Windemere
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Community Engagement Management Plan
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EPBC Annual Compliance Report 2017
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EPBC Annual Compliance Report 2018
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EPBC Annual Compliance Report 2019
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EPBC Annual Compliance Report 2020
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EPBC Annual Compliance Report 2021
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EPBC Annual Compliance Report 2022
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EPBC Annual Compliance Report 2023
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EPBC Annual Compliance Report 2024
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EPBC Annual Compliance Report 2025
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Meeting 20 - 15 September 2022
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Meeting 18 - 24 September 2020
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