Building Australia's Wind Energy Future with Local Steel
Supporting wind energy infrastructure through a connected local steel supply chain – with potential to grow local manufacturing.
As Australia advances towards a lower emissions future, wind energy has a critical role to play in delivering reliable, large-scale renewable generation. With approximately 80 tonnes of steel used in every MW of wind energy, there is an immense opportunity for Australian manufacturing to support the energy transition using local milled steel. One example of this local capability in action is Squadron Energy’s Uungula Wind Farm in New South Wales.
A local supply chain in action
Anchor cages sit at the base of a wind turbine, forming a critical component of the foundation system and ensuring the structure remains stable under significant environmental and operational loads. BlueScope has supplied steel plate produced at Port Kembla Steelworks, which is then processed and fabricated into anchor cages by Western Sydney-based Precision Oxycut. The BlueScope XLERPLATE® steel used in each anchor cage is manufactured using 100 per cent Australian steel, with approximately 1,400 tonnes of steel being processed for the project.
At Squadron Energy’s Uungula Wind Farm, foundation components for each of the 69 turbines are being produced through this integrated collaboration of Australian businesses – from steelmaking through to fabrication and project delivery – demonstrating what is possible when local supply chains are connected.
Image: Anchor cage at Murra Warra Wind Farm, Victoria, Squadron Energy. Anchor cages fabricated by Precision Oxycut and Allthread industries, with BlueScope XLERPLATE® steel.
BlueScope capability for wind projects
BlueScope’s involvement in projects such as Uungula reflects a broader capability to support wind energy infrastructure across the value chain.
BlueScope has developed a deliberate strategy to support the renewable energy sector across wind, solar, and transmission infrastructure. This is supported by a dedicated renewables team with experience across wind, solar and major infrastructure projects, working closely with customers and partners to support delivery.
BlueScope supplies Australian-made steel products, produced at BlueScope’s ResponsibleSteel™ certified Port Kembla Steelworks and is supported by testing services and technical expertise. The dedicated team assist by aligning material supply with project timelines and supporting customers with specification and application requirements.
Partnering with fabricators, developers and supply chain stakeholders, through this integrated approach, BlueScope supports the delivery of wind energy projects while also working towards a more connected and capable supply chain.
BlueScope history supporting wind farm development
While BlueScope’s dedicated renewables team has been working in recent years to support Australia’s growing pipeline of renewable energy infrastructure, BlueScope’s involvement in wind is built on a longer track record – with BlueScope first supplying plate to the wind industry over 20 years ago.
That experience includes supplying local steel into wind tower fabrication for a range of Australian wind farm projects completed by local fabricators. For example, at Murra Warra II Wind Farm in Victoria, BlueScope supplied 380 tonnes of XLERPLATE® steel to Precision Oxycut, which was processed into steel plate rings used in anchor cages for 38 turbines.
BlueScope supplies XLERPLATE® steel (plate) for wind tower applications, with a range of standard and custom sizes available in Australian and European grades to meet varying wind tower design requirements.
Images: (Left) Clarkes Creek Wind Farm, Queensland, Squadron Energy. Anchor cages fabricated by Precision Oxycut and Allthread industries, with BlueScope XLERPLATE® steel. (Right) Anchor cage at Murra Warra Wind Farm, Victoria, Squadron Energy. Anchor cages fabricated by Precision Oxycut and Allthread industries, with BlueScope XLERPLATE® steel.
A foundation for future opportunity
The Uungula Wind Farm demonstrates local manufacturing capability for key components of wind energy infrastructure, with Australian businesses collaborating across the supply chain, from steelmaking through to fabrication and delivery.
At the same time, it highlights the broader opportunity to further expand this capability. While components such as anchor cages are being delivered locally, they represent a small percentage of the steel used in a project. There is significant potential to increase the use of Australian steel in structural components such as towers and to support additional local manufacturing activity.
BlueScope is committed to building on this foundation – working with customers and partners to support local industry and help grow Australia’s capability to deliver renewable energy infrastructure at scale.
Need more information?
For more information, contact BlueScope Steel Direct on 1800 800 789, or use our online contact form.