Mount James Wind Farm given green light

A $2.6b wind farm project in northwest Queensland, which would generate jobs for 300 people and power for 640,000 homes, is another step closer after the state government gave it the green light.

A $2.6b wind farm project in northwest Queensland is another step closer after the state government gave it the green light.

The Mount James Wind Farm, which is expected to produce 1000MW of energy, is planned to be the largest in Australia and will generate enough power for 640,000 homes each year.

The project now requires environmental approval from the federal government, with an Energy Department spokesman saying it was waiting for further documentation from the proponent.

The wind farm, located near Hughenden, will boast 166 turbines and is expected to create 300 jobs during construction, as well as five ongoing.

Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steven Miles said projects like the Mount James Wind Farm helped to propel Queensland towards becoming a “renewable energy powerhouse.”

File: Wind turbines at the Windy Hill wind farm near Ravenshoe, Far North Queensland. Picture: Brendan Radke

“We’re seeing significant investment in renewable projects like the Mount James Wind Farm across the state because companies are attracted to Queensland,” he said.

“They know we have the drive and policy approach to deliver renewable energy projects to create jobs.”

Spanish company Iberdrola secured the development rights for the project earlier this year after it purchased it from the North Queensland Renewable Energy Zone.

The project would plug into the proposed multi-billion dollar CopperString 2.0 transmission network.

CopperString 2.0 aims to connect Cloncurry, Mount Isa and the North West Minerals Province to the national electricity grid.

Queensland’s State Planner approved the Mount James Wind Farm on July 18 this year.

It is now subject to EPBC approval from the commonwealth, but does not require any further approvals from the state government at this stage.

The Energy Department spokesman said further information was requested from the company on July 22.

“A decision on approval will be made once this information is received and published, and a minimum 10 business-day public comment period has been completed,” he said.