Renewable energy projects powering southwest Qld’s economy

Southwest Queensland is projected to host some of the largest offshore renewable energy sites that could save residents hundreds and fuel the region’s economy. FULL DETAILS HERE.

The next three years will see a major step forward in renewable energy projects for the Darling Downs region.

Projected to save residents around $500 per year, the projects include the MacIntyre Wind Farm near Warwick, Wambo Wind Farm near Jandowe and the Dulacca solar farm.

The three projects, which are projected to be completed by 2026, are among 13 of Queensland’s clean energy projects.

The Miles government recently committed to almost doubling the power of Wambo wind farm, announcing the addition of 41 further turbines to be added to the site as part of phase two.

Stanwell chief executive Michael O’Rourke, Energy Minister Mick de Brenni and Cubico's David Smith at the site of the Wambo Wind Farm near Dalby.

By completion, the Wambo site is projected to have the capacity to power up to 312,000 homes.

The facility’s 83 turbines are set to generate 506MW of energy by 2026 and will tower 247m in the air.

The project will boost the local economy adding around 200 direct construction jobs and up to 500 more indirect jobs during its build.

Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Minister Mick de Brenni said Queensland’s cost of living relief support and growing renewables base gave the state the cheapest power in Australia.

“Queensland has been the world leader in rooftop solar, are now we are building world-class wind power thanks to partnerships between publicly owned energy companies like Stanwell, and world-renowned clean energy company Cubico Sustainable Investments,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Queensland’s abundant wind resources are attracting growing global interest, creating jobs and economic opportunity for Queensland.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Energy Minister Mick de Brenni officially open the Dulacca Wind Farm, which will power up to 124,000 QLD homes per year, Dulacca – Photo Supplied

According to an analysis by the Queensland Conservation Council, all 13 projects will have the capacity to reduce wholesale electricity prices by $90/MWh.

Queensland Conservation Council campaigner Stephanie Gray said there’s been a strong clean energy investor interest in Queensland since the launch of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

“After a decade of uncertainty we finally have a clear plan for phasing out coal and replacing it with renewable energy backed by storage,” she said.

“We’re seeing a lot of interest in Southern and Central Queensland in particular because the regions have good solar and wind resources and are closer to where the electricity is needed.

“Just in the last year, the percentage of renewable energy contributing to Queensland’s electricity mix has grown by 5 per cent to 25 per cent.”

The report was initiated by the Queensland government’s bid to legislate the Energy and Jobs Plan, and the state’s new renewable energy targets of 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035.