Majority stake in WA’s largest wind farm acquired with Baker McKenzie’s help

Baker McKenzie advised RATCH-Australia, which has bought a majority stake in the largest wind farm in Western Australia.

RATCH-Australia acquired the stake in the Yandin Wind Farm from Alinta Energy for an undisclosed amount. The wind farm, located in Dandaragan, which is about 175 north of Perth, will generate enough electricity to power about 200,000 households per year.

Paul Curnow, who jointly headed the Baker McKenzie team, said that RATCH-Australia has a portfolio of more than 1GW of power-generation assets in Australia that are currently under construction or are operational. The Yandin Wind Farm will feature 51 of Vestas’ 4.2MW turbines, which will connect to Western Power’s 330kV transmission network through a new 10k transmission line and terminal station. The station will be built, owned, and operated by Western Power, the co-head of Baker McKenzie’s global renewable energy practice said.

Partner Kate Jefferson, who jointly led the team on the deal, said that the large, complex transaction will “significantly enhance WA’s supply of cleaner and more affordable renewable energy.”

Curnow and Jefferson were supported by associates Lev Gantly, Eve Gallagher, and Eric Li, counsel Aylin Cunsolo, and graduate Declan O'Donahue.

Baker McKenzie recently confirmed its role in Afterpay’s $200m placement. The firm also recently appointed a Sydney-based partner to head its global climate change practice, as well as revealed lofty carbon emissions reduction targets for next decade.