The first project will be the construction of the 30MW Cullerin Range wind farm about 30km west of Goulburn, New South Wales. Origin expects to start commissioning the wind farm next year.
Origin chief operating officer Karen Moses said the deal was the company’s first generation investment in NSW and would allow Origin to build its own wind facilities for the first time.
"It provides Origin with greater flexibility in managing our carbon, retail and generation portfolios," she said.
The Cullerin Range wind farm is one of three permitted sites in NSW, including Conroy’s Gap (30MW) and Snowy Plains (30MW). Origin has also acquired the rights to develop these projects.
In addition, Origin has entered into a Strategic Relationship Agreement with Epuron an option for another 500MW of sites, mostly in NSW.
When fully operational, the Cullerin Range will save about 100,000 tonnes of carbon per year or provide enough renewable electricity to power nearly 15,000 average homes in NSW, Origin said.
"Origin is well placed to make significant contribution to helping reduce the carbon intensity of the Australian economy and the federal government meet its 20 per cent renewables target by 2020," Moses said.
Other recent investments and initiatives in the renewable sector by Origin include its joint venture with geothermal developer Geodynamics, research and development of SLIVER solar technology, and the development of its carbon reduction scheme and other offset products.
Origin also hold a 51.4% stake in New Zealand's Contact Energy, which is aiming to invest $2 billion into wind and geothermal projects over the next five years.
