Construction has commenced on ACCIONA Energia’s $500 million Aldoga Solar Farm, taking Queensland a step closer to a sustainable future.
Located about 20 kilometres northwest of Gladstone, the Aldoga Solar Farm features up to 820,000 solar modules that have a peak generation capacity of 480MW – enough to help avoid 930,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum.
“On my first day as Premier, I announced that my Government would lift Queensland’s ambition on climate action – and reduce our emission by 75 per cent by 2035 – to strengthen our economy and create jobs.
“Our target, along with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, gives big business the confidence that the Sunshine State is the best place to invest in renewables.
“This project will create hundreds of jobs for Central Queenslanders now and into the future,” Premier Steven Miles said.
“The Aldoga Solar Farm project will kickstart Central Queensland’s renewable energy industry and help the area’s existing industries decarbonise their operations.
“This project aligns with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and is a great example of how we are powering towards our targets of 70 per cent renewable energy by 2032 and net zero emissions by 2050,” Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said.
This renewable energy project is strategically situated within the Gladstone State Development Area (SDA), on land owned by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ).
EDQ signed a development lease with ACCIONA Energia as part of the State Government’s commitment to increasing renewable energy supply as well as generating jobs and supporting economic growth in the region.
“We’ve always known Gladstone was crucial for energy production and industry in Queensland, now this project proves this region is well and truly driving the renewables sector here in Queensland.
“This builds on other major local projects like the Central Queensland Hydrogen project and Fortescue Future Industries’ hydrogen manufacturing facility.
“As a cornerstone in the Energy and Jobs Plan, this landmark project will increase renewable energy supply, generate jobs and support economic growth in Central Queensland for years to come,” Minister for Regional Development and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said.
The Aldoga Solar Farm will offer $150 million in local procurement opportunities while creating up to 350 jobs during construction and about 10 ongoing full-time jobs once operational.
In addition, ACCIONA Energia’s community benefits program will provide $120,000 in annual funding to local initiatives such as scholarships with Central Queensland University, small grants and legacy projects.
Aldoga Solar Farm is due to be up and running by mid-2026, with an operational life of 30 years.
“Today’s announcement is not only critical in delivering emissions reduction, but importantly, supports bringing renewable manufacturing to Queensland.
“With Queensland built components and 350 local tradespeople involved in construction and commissioning, the Aldoga Solar Farm truly will be a product of the Sunshine State.
“This renewable energy project is the first in Queensland to use locally manufactured torque tubing made with Australian BlueScope coil.
“Projects like the Aldoga Solar Farm are helping to build our nation’s energy independence, one panel at a time,” Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Minister Mick de Brenni said.
Under a Power Purchase Agreement, 100 per cent of the electricity produced from the solar farm will be supplied to Stanwell Corporation’s proposed Central Queensland Hydrogen project (CQ-H2).
The proposed CQ-H2 is set to become Queensland’s largest renewable hydrogen project that will deliver renewable hydrogen through different carriers to Japan and Singapore while also suppling large domestic customers in Central Queensland.
Queensland-made steel from Orrcon – who recently opened a production line facility in Northgate – will be supplied and used in the construction of Aldoga Solar Farm.
“Our focus in Queensland is to keep building new electricity generation and creating new jobs within the state.
“Projects like Aldoga will help transition our energy system while providing the employment, training and procurement opportunities regional communities are asking for so they can take advantage of this booming industry.
“The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, great partners in Stanwell and Economic Development Queensland and some of the best renewable resources in the country are why we want to keep building projects here.
“ACCIONA Energia is committed to supporting the local community in the areas around our projects. We invest in the community to build skills and capability that leave a lasting legacy to be proud of,” ACCIONA Energia Managing Director Brett Wickham said.
Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; ACCIONA (1, 2)