The Spanish-owned company which operates 112 wind turbines at Lake Bonney is seeking to extend the existing planning permission to erect a further 76 such structures along the Woakwine Range.

Iberdrola purchased Infigen Energy a few years ago and is looking to activate its extension proposal which dates back to 2012.

It has applied to the Limestone Coast Southern Regional Assessment Panel for permission to extend the existing planning approval until 2026.

If all goes to plan, the additional 76 turbines will be erected and operational by 2028.

Now trading as Woakwine Windfarm Pty Ltd, it has justified the extension in documents lodged with the panel.

It said construction had been delayed by the Iberdrola takeover of Infigen Energy as well as uncertainty about the export of energy generated by the wind farms due to constraints on interconnectors.

The company stated the COVID pandemic impacted the ability to complete site works, hold landowner meetings, undertake community consultation and finalise project design for a three-year period.

Woakwine Windfarm Pty Ltd Network said it had been negotiating with land owners to vary and secure the project’s required 25 leases.

“The intent is to have the documents signed and executed by June,” the company said.

“To date, Woakwine Windfarm Pty Ltd has invested more than $10m in the project, including development costs ($5.5m), grid connection studies ($1m), land payments ($2m), employee salaries, wind measurement campaign and other costs.”

Planning approval extensions have previously been granted in 2018 and 2020.

The panel is meeting in Mount Gambier this week to consider the application.