Feds green light Prairie wind farm development

Windlab's Prairie wind farm project has won federal environmental approval, paving the way for a development of up to 116 wind turbines in the Hughenden region. The Prairie wind farm project location. At the same time, a proposal for WestWind Energy's 1500MW Cameron Downs Energy Park, 45km south of Hughenden, is moving through the approvals process. The period for public comment on its referral under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is open until January 16. The Prairie wind farm project - expected to cost about $2.8 billion to develop - will be part of the North Queensland Super Hub for renewable energy in the Prairie area. Located about 340km south-west of Townsville, this is also planned to include Windlab's proposed 1400MW Wongalee wind farm. Windlab chief executive officer John Martin said the Prairie wind farm was set to create about 500 jobs and could inject more than $400 million into regional Queensland through employment, supply, and contracting opportunities. “Windlab is incredibly proud to have played a key role in advancing Prairie, a project that deeply aligns with the region’s renewable energy ambitions," he said. “We share a long history with the Flinders Shire, having identified and proved the region’s strategically critical renewable energy resource around 15 years ago through the development of our pioneering Kennedy Energy Park.” The Prairie wind farm development is anticipated to consist of: Up to 116 Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs); WTG foundations and hardstand areas; Access tracks, underground cabling and overhead transmission lines; Electrical connections, substations, power control equipment and a high-voltage grid connection; Battery Energy Storage System (BESS); Permanent meteorological masts; Construction compound and laydown areas for construction and operations; Concrete batching plants; and Central operational and maintenance facility. The project website indicates it will generate up to 928MW of power - boasting an operational capacity to provide renewable electricity to meet the needs of one in every six households in Queensland. Related: Plans for green energy Super Hub unveiled for NQ Mr Martin said Windlab was responsibly developing Prairie in a way that minimised potential impacts on the ecology. “Securing EPBC Act approval reflects around four years of detailed responsible design, and over two years environmental scrutiny, and consultation," he said. "We are committed to achieving better outcomes for both nature and communities, going beyond just reducing emissions. "By collaborating closely with communities and prioritising sustainable practices, we demonstrate how renewable energy can harmoniously coexist with the land while also fostering sustainable and equitable regional economic opportunities for everyone.” The Cameron Downs Energy Park development would include up to 200 wind turbine generators, a BESS, a potential construction workers' accommodation camp and ancillary infrastructure. WestWind is aiming to begin construction in 2027, with that work expected to run for two to three years. You may also like: https://industryqld.com.au/wind-power-plan-for-dugald-river-zinc-operations/

Feds green light Prairie wind farm development

Industry Queensland

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