Australia gears up to build largest wind farm in Southern Hemisphere

The continent of Australia is an immense landmass resplendent with renewable energy resources, including solar, wind and wave energy. Yet, until recently, the country has done little to tap into these resources, which account for a mere six percent of its total energy mix. That’s all about to change with the construction of a new wind farm in Victoria. When completed in 2013, the farm will be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere—featuring 140 turbines and generating enough electricity to power 220,000 homes. It will also help reduce Australia’s carbon emissions by 1.7 million tons annually.

The massive wind farm is a key investment for Australia as it strives to meet its energy goals for the next decade. The country aims to generate fully 20 percent of its power via renewable energy sources by 2020.