Construction on Lacour Energy and Goldwind Australia’s 450MW Clarke Creek Wind Farm in Queensland is now set to commence next year following the signing of an agreement to sell about 75 per cent of the energy generated from the wind farm to Stanwell Corporation.
“Queensland has an economic strategy for recovery from the global coronavirus pandemic, underpinned by the lowest average electricity prices on the eastern seaboard and reliable supply.
“That plan includes investing in traditional infrastructure and supporting the renewables industry because that supports jobs,” Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said.
The billion-dollar wind farm project is expected to support hundreds of Central Queensland jobs during its construction and operations.
“This project means 350 construction jobs once works start next year, and up to 15 full time operational jobs once Clarke Creek is generating.
“Our region already has one of the most efficient and economic coal-fired power stations in Australia, at Stanwell, as well as renewable energy projects in the central west.
“With the government’s new renewable energy zone initiative for Central Queensland, Clarke Creek could be the forerunner of more new renewable energy projects and jobs,” Assistant Education Minister and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said.
In addition, the Clarke Creek project is estimated to inject about $130 million on benefits to the local economy over the life of the project.
“Queensland’s renewable energy revolution has seen 39 projects operational, under construction or financially committed over the past five years, representing 5700 jobs.
“Renewable energy is the cheapest form of generation, which means that more renewables help put more downward pressure on electricity prices.
“Projects like Clarke Creek deliver for jobs and for our power bills,” Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said.
The two-stage Clarke Creek Wind Farm is set to become one of the State’s largest grid-connected wind farms.
“The 450MW first stage of the project will comprise of 101 wind turbines; enough to power the equivalent of approximately 320,000 Queensland homes.
“Stage two will provide a further 400 MW.
“This site has predominantly night-time wind which means the wind farm will complement Queensland’s high level of solar production during the day,” Goldwind Australia Managing Director John Titchen said.
The offtake agreement signed with Stanwell Corporation for 348MW of the wind farm’s generation will help reduce the carbon intensity of the company’s generation portfolio.
“Our large commercial and industrial customers want ‘greener’ products to complement other sustainability actions that they are taking.
“The Clarke Creek Wind Farm offtake agreement will enable us to provide clean, renewable energy to our customers, and also decarbonise our portfolio,” Stanwell Corporation CEO Richard Van Breda said.
The Clarke Creek Wind Farm is located about 150 kilometres north west of Rockhampton, near Marlborough.
Energy from the wind farm is anticipated to begin flowing into the grid in 2023.
Source: Queensland Government; Clarke Creek Wind Farm; Goldwind Australia; Lacour Energy