Construction will soon begin on the $1.3bn Lotus Creek Wind Farm, creating 400 jobs

Central Queensland will soon see a new wind farm being built as CS Energy acquires the $1.3 billion Lotus Creek Wind Farm from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). 

This renewable energy project is the first 100 per cent publicly owned wind farm to reach the construction stage under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan. 

“I have a vision for the future of Queensland – a future where our industries thrive, powered by clean stored renewable energy. 

“This $1.3 billion project will lead the way as our first 100 per cent publicly owned wind farm, delivered as part of our landmark Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan,” Premier Steven Miles said. 

CIP will help deliver the 285MW wind farm, while Vestas and Zenviron – a joint venture between Monadelphous and ZEM Energy – have been appointed to lead equipment supply and construction. 

Vestas will supply and install the V126-6.2MW wind turbines and deliver a long-term Active Output Management 5000 service agreement that ensures optimal energy production to the Australian grid. Meanwhile, Zenviron will deliver the balance-of-plant civil and electrical works as well as build the workers’ accommodation facility. 

“Together with CS Energy and Zenviron, Vestas is delighted to provide our best-in-class people, wind turbines and capabilities for this landmark project. As the world’s largest provider of wind energy, we have always been committed to Australia’s sustainable future and we thank the Lotuc Creek project partners for joining us in this world-changing mission. 

“The Lotus Creek Wind Farm will be CS Energy’s first 100 per cent owned wind asset and is a key part of our strategy to develop up to 700MW of wind generation in Central Queensland. This project will support the growing demand for renewable energy form our large commercial and industrial customers and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the region,” Vestas’ Country Head and Senior Vice President, Australia and New Zealand Danny Nielsen said. 

The Lotus Creek Wind Farm, which is located about 20 kilometres west of the town of St Lawrence, will feature 46 wind turbines, which can produce enough clean energy to power an equivalent of 150,000 homes. 

This project is backed by a $624.3 million funding from the Queensland Government’s Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund along with $300 million from coal royalties announced in the 2023-24 State Budget. 

“The Lotus Creek Wind Farm will support the growing demand for renewable energy from our large commercial and industrial customers, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the region. 

“The proximity of the Lotus Creek Wind Farm in the Central Queensland region makes it ideally located to provide opportunities for our employees. 

“Once the project is operational, Vestas will service and maintain the wind turbines and CS Energy will carry out asset management on the balance of plant. 

“CS Energy and Vestas are working collaboratively to develop potential pathways for CS Energy employees to carry out additional maintenance services in coming years,” CS Energy CEO Darren Busine said. 

The Lotus Creek Wind Farm is also underpinned by the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan objectives of fostering economic growth, promoting local employment, and supporting regional communities. 

The more than $1 billion development is set to provide a significant boost to the local economy by creating about 400 jobs during the construction phase and up to 15 ongoing operational positions. 

Major construction on the project will commence in the coming weeks and be completed by the end of 2027. 

“We know renewable energy is the cheapest form of energy, and we’re building more of it in Central Queensland to lower bills for households across the state. 

“Not only will this project generate clean, cheap energy, but the construction will power clean energy jobs for hundreds of locals in Central Queensland. 

“We’re putting communities at the forefront of the energy transition, and the community benefit fund will provide a huge economic boost to St Lawrence for decades to come. 

“By backing Lotus Creek, we’re ensuring Queenslanders benefit from the renewable revolution with 100 per cent publicly owned assets. 

“This project is a testament to our commitment to turning clean energy into sustainable jobs for generations to come,” Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni said. 

The Lotus Creek Wind Farm has secured State and Federal Government approvals and is subject to several best practice conditions, including securing more than 4,500 hectares of land in the region to be improved and protected in perpetuity as environmental offsets. 

During the project’s development phase, Vestas and Zenviron will work closely with the Barada Barna People and Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala (BKY) People, the Traditional Owner groups of the wind farm. 

In addition, the project will continue working together with the Traditional Owner groups to increase Indigenous employment opportunities. 

“We are proud to see the start of construction on the Lotus Creek Wind Farm. 

“CIP will play an important role in developing, building, and providing the operation of Queensland and Australia’s new energy infrastructure, and working with the longer-term asset owners and operators, including Queensland’s public energy companies. 

“We look forward to helping CS Energy deliver its first ever wind farm project,” Partner and Head of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Australia Jørn Hammer said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Vestas; Monadelphous; Lotus Creek Wind Farm; CS Energy