$776m lift-off for planned State-run wind farm

The State Government has unveiled plans to build Australia’s largest publicly owned wind farm in the South Burnett region, with $776 million on the table to support the project. Electricity generator Stanwell is working with global renewable energy group RES to develop the proposed Tarong West Wind Farm. With capacity of up to 500 MW, it is planned for a site 30km south-west of Kingaroy at Ironpot, which lies within the Southern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone. Stanwell could receive up to $776 million in funding through the $2 billion Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund for the project. This would depend on the successful outcome of a board-approved business case and subsequent ministerial approval. A final decision on the Tarong West Wind Farm is expected in 2024. If approved, construction would also commence in 2024, with commercial operations from 2026. “This project, with up to 150 turbines, could generate 500MW capacity - enough clean electricity to power up to 230,000 homes,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. “It will also create around 200 jobs during construction and 15 ongoing jobs when operational. “It’s investments like this that will ensure we deliver on our net-zero ambitions and our promise to Queenslanders to become a global renewable energy superpower.” Stanwell chief executive officer Michael O’Rourke said Stanwell proposed to take 100 per cent ownership and operation of the wind farm once built. Stanwell chief executive officer Michael O’Rourke. “Full ownership of the Tarong West Wind Farm project would support the decarbonisation of our existing portfolio, enable us to meet our customers’ demand for renewable energy products, and provide future career development opportunities for our people,” he said. Mr O’Rourke said Stanwell was progressing discussions with a number of renewable energy project proponents, including RES, with a view to diversifying its energy portfolio and providing opportunities for its people. Recent announcements include a long-term agreement with Squadron Energy for 346.5 MW offtake from the Clarke Creek Wind Farm, and a potential joint venture with Cubico Sustainable Investments that could see Stanwell own 50 percent of the 252 MW Wambo Wind Farm and dispatch of the remaining 50 per cent of the power generated under an offtake agreement. “The energy market is changing, and so are we,” Mr O’Rourke said. “We’re working together with government, our customers, our communities and our people to transform our business, and bring long-term economic prosperity and jobs to Queensland."

$776m lift-off for planned State-run wind farm

Industry Queensland

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