The Queensland government has approved a $1 billion wind farm for up to 195 wind turbines, in what is set to be one of Australia’s largest wind farms upon completion.
The approval comes as part of Queensland’s $20 billion pipeline of energy projects, with almost $4.5 billion already committed to or under way, as the state government focuses on reaching its 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030.
Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the $1 billion Lacour Energy wind farm project, planned for Clarke Creek 150 kilometres north west of Rockhampton, will usher in associated infrastructure such as substations, temporary workers’ accommodation, staff and operational facilities and powerlines.
“This means jobs for the region over the project’s 36-month construction period and more clean energy that our state can tap into,” Dick said.
It’s estimated 350 jobs will be created during construction.
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Director of Lacour Energy Mark Rayner says the Clarke Creek wind farm will have a power output of more than over 800 megawatts of electricity.
“It is a unique renewable energy project which combines excellent wind and solar resources at a location directly adjacent to the backbone of the Powerlink 275 kV transmission network,” Rayner said.
“The wind farm development approval is a significant milestone for the project.”
The feasibility study aims to be completed by the end of next year so construction on the $1 billion project can commence early 2019.
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Plans for large scale renewable energy projects have ramped up in recent years, reflecting huge global investor appetite for Australia’s wind and solar resource.
German-backed WestWind Energy has submitted plans for a $1.7 billion wind farm in south-west Victoria, making it the largest facility in the southern hemisphere, with 228 wind turbines each 230 metres tall. A planning panel will consider the proposal due July 30.
If approved the Rokewood based project, between Ballarat and Geelong, could power an estimated half a million homes a year by 2025.
In April the NSW government approved a $642 million wind farm in the Upper Hunter region, the Liverpool Range Wind Farm will generate enough electricity to power up to 500,000 homes.
Construction began on an $850 million wind farm project 250 kilometres north-west of Brisbane. The 453-megawatt wind farm, due to be completed in 2019, will produce enough power for 260,000 homes.
