Clarke Creek Wind Farm reaches halfway mark after 50th turbine installed

Now halfway finished, the wind farm will produce enough electricity to power roughly 330,000 homes but its first major customer will be the operator of two Queensland coal-fired power stations.

L-R , Tattarang chief executive John Hartman, Squadron Energy CEO Rob Wheals and Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke at , at the Clarke Creek Wind Farm, 150km northwest of Rockhampton. Photo: Charlie Peel , ,

The Clarke Creek Wind Farm project has just hit the halfway mark after having its 50th wind turbine installed.

Located 150km north-west of Rockhampton and 150km south of Mackay, it will produce enough electricity to power roughly 330,000 homes and avoid 738,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Stanwell Corporation, the operator of the Stanwell and Tarong coal-fired power stations and Meandu coal mine will buy the bulk of the wind farm’s power for the next 15 years.

Under the previous government, coal-fired power stations were expected to be shut down by 2035, but now-Premier David Crisafulli has said they will run ‘indefinitely’ until Queensland can transition to renewables.

Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said the development was a major step towards Queensland’s clean energy future.

“After helping to turn the sod, kicking off construction two years ago, it’s great to be back at Clarke Creek Wind Farm to celebrate this milestone moment with Squadron Energy.

“Once operational and over the next 15 years, Stanwell will purchase more than 75 per cent of the clean energy generated from the first stage of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm to provide to our customers.

“This agreement ensures Stanwell continues to build our renewable generation portfolio as we renew our energy portfolio.

“I’d like to congratulate all those involved with Clarke Creek Wind Farm on recognising this major milestone.”

The Clarke Creek Wind Farm project has just hit the halfway mark after having its 50th wind turbine installed.

Tattarang CEO John Hartman, Squadron Energy CEO Rob Wheals and Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke marked the milestone at Clarke Creek today.

Mr Hartman said the project was crucial for Australia’s energy sector.

“Reaching the halfway mark on turbine installation is a significant milestone given Squadron Energy started constructing the wind farm in July 2022 and the first turbine was installed last September.”

“Clarke Creek Wind Farm is essential to our mission of transforming Australia’s energy sector as we continue to replace ageing coal-fired power stations with green renewable energy.”

Squadron Energy CEO Rob Wheals said the progress of the project was a testament to the various teams collaborating on Queensland’s energy transition.

“There are more than 15 Queensland businesses that are actively contributing to this project, showcasing the collaborative effort that is driving Queensland’s energy transition.”

“I’d like to thank the BKY Traditional Owners, our delivery partners including Goldwind, our landowners, the onsite team and the local community – all who have contributed to make this milestone a reality.”

Originally published as Clarke Creek Wind Farm reaches halfway mark after 50th turbine installed