Australia’s First Wind Farm Prepares for a Thoughtful Farewell
In a quiet corner of southwest Victoria, overlooking the windswept coastline near Port Fairy, a landmark in Australia’s renewable energy story is preparing for its final chapter.
The Codrington Wind Farm—the nation’s first commercial wind energy site—is set to be carefully decommissioned after nearly a quarter-century of service.
Since its launch in 2001, Codrington has powered roughly 10,000 homes annually, helping to prevent nearly 50,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
The site’s 14 turbines, standing at 50 meters tall, have stood as sentinels of sustainability across the rolling green hills, symbolizing the early promise of wind power in Australia.
But as the turbines near the end of their designed operational lifespan, energy company Pacific Blue is turning its attention to how this chapter should close—with care, integrity, and environmental responsibility.
Dismantling with Dignity: A Model for the Industry
Rather than using explosives or invasive demolition tactics, Pacific Blue has opted for a crane-assisted disassembly, reversing the order of their original construction. It’s a meticulous process, designed not only to reduce environmental disruption but also to maintain community trust.
“The decision to dismantle the turbines onsite using cranes reflects our commitment to responsible end-of-life practices in renewable energy infrastructure,” a Pacific Blue spokesperson told Renew Economy. “This method honors the landscape, the technology, and the communities that have supported Codrington from the beginning.”
This approach, while more logistically complex, ensures a quieter, safer, and more environmentally sound conclusion to Codrington’s operational life. It also serves as a prototype for how wind farms across Australia—and the world—might be decommissioned in the future.
Legacy and Leadership in Transition
Codrington was more than just a source of clean power—it was a beacon for what was possible when vision and technology met on fertile ground. At a time when wind energy was still a novel concept in Australia, Codrington proved it could work, and work well.
Now, as Australia accelerates its push toward net-zero emissions, the way we retire renewable infrastructure is becoming just as important as how we build it. Pacific Blue’s deliberate and transparent approach to decommissioning is helping to set a new industry benchmark—one that blends innovation with accountability.
A Pioneering Spirit Lives On
Though the turbines at Codrington may soon fall silent, the legacy they leave behind continues to echo. Their removal is not the end of renewable energy in the region—it’s a respectful transition, making way for new technology and further advancements in Australia’s clean energy journey.
From powering homes to shaping policy, Codrington’s influence is far from over. As these early wind giants are retired with care, they remind us that progress doesn’t just mean building something new—it also means knowing how to let go responsibly.