Ground has been broken and construction has officially begun on the Wambo Wind Farm, northwest of Dalby in Queensland.
The milestone comes less than a week after the government announced a further half a billion dollars of investment to propel the development of large-scale solar and wind projects, and its commitment to maintain a majority share in energy generation.
The Wambo Wind Farm is backed by a $192.5 million investment from the Queensland Government’s Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund for Stanwell’s 50 per centc share in the project.
The wind farm, which will soon host some of the largest onshore wind turbines in the nation, at 247 metres is the latest project to join Stanwell’s rapidly advancing portfolio of renewable energy assets.
The project, and its grid connection, is anticipated to create around 450 jobs in construction with clean energy set to protect jobs in Queensland’s biggest industries, including mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Wambo Wind Farm is being delivered by two publicly owned Queensland energy companies, Powerlink Queensland for grid connection works, and Stanwell Corporation as a joint venture partnership with Cubico Sustainable Investments.
The Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni said starting construction of the Wambo Wind Farm, is a step closer to the state’s renewable energy target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, and 80 per cent renewable energy by 2035.
“The Wambo Wind Farm is a prime example of the Palaszczuk Government partnering with the private sector to deliver clean energy to Queenslanders, while retaining control of the energy system.
“The power generated by the 42 wind turbines northwest of Dalby will be sent to the Queensland SuperGrid in 2025, to be connected to the state’s next pumped hydro at Borumba, west of the Sunshine Coast in 2032.”
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said the 42 turbine wind farm forms part of Stanwell’s rapidly accelerating pipeline of renewable energy projects set to total 9-10 GW of clean energy capacity by 2035.
“Our growing pipeline means that we can expand our renewable offerings for our commercial and industrial customers and support the Palaszczuk Government’s target of 80 per cent renewable energy by 2035.”