Mount Hopeful Wind Farm construction expected to start in August

Work on a brand new wind farm between Rockhampton and Gladstone is expected to get underway this year, adding to Central Queensland’s renewable energy portfolio.

Work on the Mount Hopeful Wind Farm is expected to begin in August. Picture: Dominic Elsome

Another major wind energy project is expected to get underway this year, with a new deal being signed between the State Government and a global renewable energy producer.

Construction on the Mount Hopeful Wind Farm, between Rockhampton and Gladstone, is expected to begin in August, with the first generation expected in 2026.

The project is approved to have up to 97 wind turbines with the potential for battery storage, with the final project capacity expected to be about 330MW.

The works will create about 220 construction jobs with up to 12 ongoing operational and maintenance roles when construction is complete.

Just before the new year the State Government, through publicly-owned Stanwell Corporation, signed a 15-year deal with global renewable energy producer Neoen for a 215MW offtake from the project.

Stanwell Corporation CEO Michael O’Rourke said the “power purchase” would see Stanwell take 65 per cent of the wind farm’s output.

“Over the next 10, 20 and 30 years, what we are doing is transitioning through to a clean, green energy future with our existing coal-fired power stations, we are turning those into clean energy hubs,” he said.

“Those particular power stations are located in fantastic areas with great connection and access opportunities into the national electricity market.

“We’ll be looking at putting in place batteries so we are able to transition our power stations for the future.”

Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said a new wind farm would help put “downward pressure” on energy prices.

“The impact on energy prices in Australia is caused by our exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets,” he said.

“The more we invest in clean electricity generated here in Queensland, the more we will see downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices and that will flow through to households and businesses.”