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The 110-megawatt Biala Wind Farm in the Upper Lachlan Shire has completed construction of all 31 wind turbines.
BJCE Australia said that 17 of the turbines are ready to generate electricity, and commissioning was underway for another 14. There are ten turbines already generating electricity as testing is completed.
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"The Australian Electricity Market Operator and Transgrid require us to turn it on gradually," a spokesperson said.
"We have to perform certain tests while we are turning it on and measurements are taken to ensure the wind farm is not adversely affecting the electricity grid."
Once fully operational, the wind farm is expected to produce enough electricity to power 46,000 homes on wind days.
During construction several local contractors were employed including Divall's Earthmoving and Tutt Bryant Hire.
"We also utilised local caterers, cleaners, waste removal, revegetation, haulage, fencing, electrical and potable water services. Local farmers were employed to undertake weed and pest inspections of incoming vehicles to mitigate bio-security issues," she said.
"During construction we averaged around 60 people onsite.
"These staff members were renting local accommodation and shopping locally which provided a useful boost to the local economy during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Once commissioned, Goldwind Australia will maintain the Biala Wind Farm and five additional staff will be employed to assist with the increased workload. This is in addition to 14 permanent staff also employed at the nearby Gullen Range Wind Farm.
The wind farm will provide regular community grants of nearly $95,000 per year for community projects.
For the first three years of operation, community projects within a five kilometre radius of the wind farm will be prioritised. Following this period projects within 20km would be included.
Representatives are currently being sought for assisting with the fund, for more information visit the Biala Wind Farm website or phone the Upper Lachlan Shire Council on 4830 1067.
BJCE Australia bought the project from Newtricity Developments Biala in 2017 and started commissioning the wind turbines in August this year.
In the Southern Tablelands, BJCE Australia also owns the 73-turbine Gullen Range Wind Farm and the 10-megawatt Gullen Solar Farm.
