Solar powering hydrogen development in Central Queensland

Construction has started on a $500 million solar farm near Gladstone. The Aldoga Solar Farm about 20km northwest of Gladstone, will feature up to 820,000 solar modules with the capacity to produce 480 megawatts peak. It’s located in the Gladstone State Development Area (SDA) where Economic Development Queensland has signed a development lease with ACCIONA Energía. Construction of the Aldoga Solar Farm is underway with the facility to be operational by mid-2026, and operate for 30 years. Graphic of the Aldoga Solar Farm The project aligned with government policy said premier Steven Miles. “On my first day as Premier, I announced that my Government would lift Queensland’s ambition on climate action and reduce our emission by 75 percent by 2035 to strengthen our economy and create jobs,” Mr Miles said. “Our target, along with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, gives big business the confidence that the sunshine state is the best place to invest in renewables. Main image: Graphic of the Aldoga Solar Farm under construction All the electricity produced at the Aldoga Solar Farm will be supplied to Stanwell Corporation's proposed Central Queensland Hydrogen project (CQ-H2) under a Power Purchase Agreement. CQ-H2 is Queensland’s largest renewable hydrogen project, which aims to deliver renewable hydrogen through different carriers to Japan and Singapore, as well as supplying large domestic customers in Central Queensland. “The Aldoga Solar Farm project will kickstart Central Queensland’s renewable energy industry and help the area’s existing industries decarbonise their operations said Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace. “With a 480-megawatt peak capacity, the $500 million facility will avoid 930,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per annum. “This project aligns with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and is a great example of how we are powering towards our targets of 70 per cent renewable energy by 2032 and net zero emissions by 2050.” Acciona Energia’s focus in Queensland was to keep building new electricity generation and creating new jobs within the state said managing director, Brett Wickham. “Projects like Aldoga will help transition our energy system while providing the employment, training and procurement opportunities regional communities are asking for so they can take advantage of this booming industry. “The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, great partners in Stanwell and Economic Development Queensland and some of the best renewable resources in the country are why we want to keep building projects here.” The Aldoga Solar Farm will offer $150 million in local procurement opportunities and deliver up to 350 jobs during construction and up to ten ongoing full-time roles. Steel manufacturer Orrcon, that recently opened a production line facility in Northgate, will manufacturer Queensland steel to be used in the construction of the solar farm. The manufacturer is poised to supply components for a number of large-scale solar projects to help with the renewable energy transition. ACCIONA Energía’s community benefits program will also provide $120,000 in annual funding to local initiatives including scholarships with Central Queensland University, small grants and legacy projects.

Solar powering hydrogen development in Central Queensland

Industry Queensland

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