Humans have been using wind power for thousands of years — from pumping water and crushing grain to generating electricity. Today, wind power is delivering increasing shares of electricity generation globally. At ACCIONA Energía, roughly 80% of our renewable energy production comes from wind power. Here's a look at the two main types.

What is Onshore Wind Energy?

Onshore wind energy uses turbines installed on sparsely populated land — predominantly farmland — without disrupting agricultural practices.

Environmental benefits: Installation, operation, and maintenance of onshore wind farms have an energy payback of less than 12 months, compared to non-renewable sources that produce toxic emissions with no energy payback. Farming can continue on the same land during wind farm operations.

Cost-effective: Onshore wind farm infrastructure is relatively affordable. Installation costs are modest and logistics are far simpler than other energy options.

Fast to install: A wind turbine can go from excavation to commissioning in just a few months. Watch how we install a turbine in just 2 minutes:

What is Offshore Wind Energy?

Offshore wind farms are built in ocean environments where wind speeds are higher and more consistent. With no physical barriers at sea, turbines can operate more efficiently and at greater scale.

More clean energy generation: Larger projects are feasible offshore due to the greater seabed area available for development.

Higher wind speeds: Ocean winds are stronger and more consistent, making offshore energy production highly productive.

Larger turbines: Fewer size constraints mean offshore turbines can be built bigger, processing higher wind speeds and generating more energy per unit.

Reduced visual impact: Offshore farms can be placed further from towns and populated areas, minimising visual effects for communities.

ACCIONA Energía's Onshore Wind Farms in Australia

ACCIONA Energía has over 30 years of experience building, operating, and maintaining wind energy infrastructure across Australia and globally.

MacIntyre Wind Precinct, Queensland — With 1,026MW capacity, this is one of the largest onshore wind farms in the Southern Hemisphere, developed in partnership with CleanCo and now fully operational. Farming continues across the land throughout the project's life.

Mt Gellibrand Wind Farm, Victoria — Operational since 2018, this 132MW wind farm in the Colac Otway Shire generates enough renewable energy to power almost 90,000 households.

Mortlake South Wind Farm, Victoria — With 157.5MW of power capacity, this wind farm produces clean energy for around 117,000 households.

Waubra Wind Farm, Victoria — Operational since 2009, this 192MW wind farm produces clean energy for around 110,000 homes.

ACCIONA Energía's Offshore Wind Ambitions

ACCIONA Energía has taken a leading stake in floating offshore wind startup Eolink, acquiring 24% of the French company, which specialises in floating foundations for offshore wind energy. This positions ACCIONA as a key player in the emerging offshore wind sector, which is expected to see exponential growth in the coming years.

ACCIONA Energía is the largest utility in the world without a fossil legacy — exclusively operating in renewable technologies with more than 30 years of industry experience. We design integrated energy solutions for a better planet, building long-term relationships and lasting positive impact in every community we serve.