The Queensland government has announced a historic deal that will see government-owned energy generator Stanwell acquire the 436.5MW Tarong West Wind Farm project from global renewable energy developer RES.
This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Queensland’s renewable energy journey, as it will become Australia’s largest publicly owned wind farm.
The Tarong West Wind Farm, located in the South Burnett region, will feature 97 wind turbines and is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 230,000 homes.
The project has recently received development approval, with a final investment fecision anticipated in early 2025.
The project is set to bring substantial economic benefits to the region:
- Creation of around 200 construction jobs
- Hundreds of additional indirect jobs
- 15 permanent operational positions
The Queensland government has committed $776.1 million in funding of the project to date, aligning with the state’s ambitious renewable energy targets of 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035.
Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni emphasised the project’s significance, stating: “Tarong West Wind Farm will be Australia’s largest publicly owned wind farm, which is a game changer for Queensland’s renewable energy future.”
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke highlighted the project’s role in the company’s renewable energy strategy, stating: “It will play a critical role in transitioning our energy portfolio and brings us closer to our goal of having 9 to 10GW of large-scale wind and solar capacity by 2035.”
RES CEO Matt Rebbeck expressed enthusiasm for the milestone, affirming the company’s commitment to working with local stakeholders and contributing to Queensland’s sustainable energy future.
As Stanwell takes ownership of the Tarong West Wind Farm project, it solidifies its position as a key player in Queensland’s renewable energy landscape.
With over 4000 MW of renewable energy and storage now in its portfolio, Stanwell is well-positioned to support the state’s clean energy transition.
This acquisition not only represents a significant step towards Queensland’s renewable energy goals but also demonstrates the government’s commitment to keeping energy assets in public hands, potentially contributing to stable power prices and a cleaner energy future for the state.
