Details revealed for proposed Theodore Wind Farm
A memorandum of understanding has been signed in a major next step for a proposed Central Queensland wind farm, which could power thousands of homes.
Rockhampton
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A Central Queensland wind farm project has taken a new step with a memorandum of understanding signed to deliver its infrastructure.
Under the MOU, Stanwell Corporation and RWE Renewables Australia will investigate and assess energy offtakes and potential equity investment in RWE’s Theodore Windfarm and a second project in southern Queensland.
The proposed Theodore Windfarm, which is in the planning and approvals stage of development, is expected to include about 160 turbines and a battery storage facility.
If approved and once operational, the facility would generate enough electricity to power about 410,000 Queensland homes, the equivalent of powering all homes in the Banana Shire close to 57 times or Rockhampton 15 times.
The project would be located about 30 kilometres east of Theodore and 40 kilometres southwest of Biloela, with the project area consisting of 46,000 hectares, but the project’s footprint is expected to occupy less than three per cent of that area.
Construction of the project is expected to take up to four years, with a workforce of about 500 people required at peak periods.
RWE AG CEO Markus Krebber said the company was excited to be partnering with Stanwell for the projects.
“RWE sees Australia as a very attractive renewable energy growth market and we are looking forward to working on developing the proposed Theodore Wind Farm,” he said.
“We are committed to increasing our presence in the Australian market, and the signing of this memorandum of understanding with Stanwell for Theodore, and another of our Queensland projects, is a demonstration of this commitment.”
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said the MOU was a “win-win” agreement for the energy industry.
“We are thrilled to partner with RWE on two such significant projects. An additional 1.8GW of clean energy by 2029 represents a major boost in our rapidly growing portfolio of renewable energy projects,” he said.
“This is a win-win agreement for the energy industry, Queensland and our commercial and industrial customers who want clean, reliable, and affordable energy to power their businesses.
“It strengthens Queensland’s position to deliver on the targets set out in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, bringing more investment and jobs into our regional communities.”
While the news has been welcomed by the Queensland Conservation Council, campaigner Stephanie Gray said it could be done sooner.
“Every new solar and wind project that connects to the grid is bringing down power bills, reducing the State’s emissions and creating regional jobs. That’s a win-win for our hip-pocket, environment and economy,” she said.
“Our research shows that Queensland’s existing solar and wind farms reduced wholesale power prices to such a large extent last year that they effectively saved all Queensland households $100 while globally high coal and gas prices were driving our bills through the roof.
“Acting in line with climate science to protect our way of life and precious ecosystems means bringing online more solar, wind and storage as soon as possible.”
The project is just one of many renewable energy projects to be constructed in the Banana Shire, with wind farms also being constructed at Mount Hopeful, Thangool, Boulder Creek and Banana Range to name a few.
There are also three solar farms around the region at Moura, Theodore and Baralaba and the Smoky Creek Solar Power Station.
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