The Queensland government intends to almost double the Wambo Wind farm in the state’s southwest, adding enough generation to the overall project to power the equivalent of 312,000 homes with renewable energy once complete.
This announcement means that the state government intends to add a further 41 wind turbines to its previous commitment to a 42 wind turbine farm.
The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, as well as other renewable projects such as Wambo Stages One and Two, are expected to save households approximately $150 per year by 2032, and small companies approximately $1,495 on their annual power bills.
Additionally, wholesale prices will decrease by approximately 15 per cent by 2040 thanks to Queensland’s plan to transition to renewable energy.
Doubling the size of Wambo means the facility will generate 506MW of energy by 2026, with the 83 turbines towering 247 metres.
The wind farm, which features some of the largest onshore wind turbines in the nation, will contribute to Queensland’s target of 70 per cent renewables by 2032.
The project will boost the local economy, with about 200 direct construction jobs, and up to 500 more indirect jobs during the multi-year build.
QLD Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni said: “Queensland has been the world leader in rooftop solar, and now we are building world-class wind power thanks to partnerships between publicly owned energy companies like Stanwell, and world-renowned clean energy company Cubico Sustainable Investments.
“Queensland’s abundant wind resources are attracting growing global interest, creating jobs and economic opportunity for Queensland.”
Foundations for the first wind turbines on Stage One are now underway, while construction of Stage Two is expected to commence in mid-2024.
Commercial operation of Stage One is set for 2025, while Stage Two is set for 2026, with the project expected to create an additional eight ongoing jobs.
The project is being delivered in partnership between publicly owned energy company, Stanwell Corporation, and global sustainable developers, Cubico.
Under the venture, Stanwell will own 50 per cent of the energy produced and will purchase the rest of the power from Cubico under a 15-year agreement.
Wambo Wind Farm stages one and two are backed by a $455 million investment from the Queensland government’s Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund for Stanwell’s share in the project.
