Consultation begins for Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project near Rockhampton

A major Central Queensland renewable energy project close to the Stanwell Power Station will combine 400MW of wind power with 200MW of solar and a 300MW battery. It is expected to create 500 jobs. Full details here.

Consultation will begin this week for a renewable energy project 30km west of Rockhampton meant to help move Central Queensland’s power supply towards renewables and expected to create 500 jobs.

The Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project forms part of a larger Central Queensland scheme by Central Queensland Power, a joint venture between Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Estate.

The group aims to develop 2GW worth of renewables to “facilitate the transition of Central Queensland’s power supply towards firmed renewable energy” and “secure the future for heavy industry in the region”, a project newsletter says.

The Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project will be located close to the Stanwell Power Station and will combine 400MW of wind power with 200MW of solar and a 300MW battery.

The proposed location for the Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project. Photo: Central Queensland Power

The renewables farm is now in its second phase – project feasibility – and, all things going as planned, should be operational by 2025.

Energy Estate founder Simon Currie said more than 500 direct jobs would be provided during the construction period, to begin in 2023 to 2034.

“During the operations period, the scale of the Moah Creek project and its hybrid nature means it will create a significant number of highly skilled enduring local jobs,” he said.

“This project is just one of a number of large-scale renewable energy projects moving forward in the Central Queensland region.

“We believe the Central Queensland region is unique with a combination of abundant natural resources, existing infrastructure including ports and transmission, long standing track record as a trusted supplier to global markets, and a highly-skilled and flexible workforce.

“We invite all those interested from the wider community to come and meet our team, learn more about the project and ask us questions.”

Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project timeline. Photo: Central Queensland Power

The first information session about the project will be held on Wednesday, September 22 at Kalapa Hall, Kalapa Black Mountain Road from 4pm to 6pm.

There will also be a presentation at an Advance Rockhampton event on Thursday, September 23 at the Rockhampton Leagues Club from 3pm to 4pm.

RES Australia CEO Matt Rebbeck said Central Queensland was at the “forefront of a renewables jobs boom”.

“Central Queensland Power draws upon the strengths and experiences of both companies and will help create new local jobs and deliver low-cost clean energy,” he said.

“It will also support the region’s existing heavy industry capture the opportunities to supply domestic and export markets and attract new investors into the region.”