ACCIONA Energía has completed construction of the Aldoga Solar Farm near Gladstone, delivering nearly half a gigawatt of new electricity generation capacity seven months ahead of schedule.
The $500 million project, which began construction in April 2024, is now entering its commissioning phase, with 480MWp of clean electricity set to gradually come online over the next six months as the facility connects to the National Electricity Market (NEM).
The Aldoga Solar Farm, comprising approximately 820,000 solar modules, is one of the largest renewable energy projects in Queensland.
It is expected to be fully commissioned by the end of 2025, providing enough energy to power nearly 185,000 homes and significantly reducing carbon emissions in the region.
“Large scale solar projects are one of the fastest and most affordable means of delivering new electricity into the NEM,” said ACCIONA Energía Managing Director Brett Wickham.
“We’ve delivered this milestone project safely and faster than expected.
“It’s a credit to the 350 men and women who have built it.”
The solar farm exported its first 850kW of electricity into the NEM as part of initial commissioning steps.
Once fully operational, all output from Aldoga will be purchased by Stanwell Corporation under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke welcomed the milestone, stating: “First energy production from the Aldoga Solar Farm marks an exciting milestone for Stanwell.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ACCIONA Energía on this project and exploring many other opportunities with ACCIONA across Queensland.”
He added: “Stanwell is building a diversified energy portfolio of thermal and renewable energy. Stanwell will offtake 100 per cent of the output from the Aldoga Solar Farm.
“This energy will be sold into the spot market or retailed to our commercial and industrial customers, ensuring that they receive affordable, reliable and sustainable energy, now and into the future.”
The project’s construction generated up to 350 jobs and procured up to $150 million in goods and services from local businesses and suppliers, supporting the regional economy.
ACCIONA Energía also partnered with Nextracker and Orrcon Steel to use Australian-made steel for solar panel mounts, strengthening the local manufacturing supply chain.
“We’re incredibly proud to be one of the foundation customers for Nextracker and Orrcon as they work to establish a long-term local steel and manufacturing supply chain for solar farms,” said Wickham.
Beyond renewable energy generation, the Aldoga Solar Farm will invest in the community through a $120,000 annual community benefit fund, supporting local programs and organisations.
The Aldoga Solar Farm marks a significant step in Queensland’s transition to a cleaner energy future, reinforcing the state’s commitment to renewable energy, job creation, and regional growth.
