MoU signed for 2 wind farms that will boost renewables and jobs in QLD

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by publicly owned energy company Stanwell Corporation and global company RWE, establishing a partnership and support in the delivery of Stanwell’s 9 – 10GW pipeline of renewable energy assets across Queensland. 

This partnership will start with the development of two new wind farms in Central and Southern Queensland by 2029. Not only will this pave the way for more renewable energy projects, but it will also boost investment and innovation in the region. 

“The world realises Queensland has a natural advantage in renewable energy and manufacturing, combined with the world-class workforce that makes us ideal for renwable investment right now. 

“Queensland has some of the best wind resources in the world, and with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan we are now one of the best places for renewable energy investment. 

“The Palaszczuk Government is delighted to welcome global renewables powerhouse RWE to be part of our clean energy transformation. RWE is widely recognised as a worldwide leader in the field of renewables. 

“An additional 1.8GW from new two wind farms will be a big win for Queensland and will support jobs, regional investment and opportunities for local communities,” Acting Premier Steven Miles said. 

The MoU has identified RWE’s Theodore Wind Farm near Biloela and a second wind farm in the early-stage development in Southern Queensland. The partnership between Stanwell and RWE will now enable negotiations on public ownership, equity and offtake models for the projects. 

Theodore Wind Farm is set to be built on a 46,000-hectare site about 30 kilometres east of Theodore and 40 kilometres south-west of Biloela. It is proposed to include 160 wind turbines as well as a battery storage facility, and has the potential to incorporate a solar farm within its boundary. 

This project will take advantage of the strong state-owned network infrastructure in the Biloela region, which is at the heart of one of the State’s major Renewable Energy Zones. 

“This is a win-win agreement for the energy industry, Queensland and our commercial and industrial customers who want clean, reliable and affordable energy to power their businesses. 

“And it strengthens Queensland’s position to deliver on the targets set out in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, bringing more investment and jobs into our regional communities,” Stanwell Corporation CEO Michael O’Rourke said. 

Theodore Wind Farm location (source: RWE)

Once up and running, Theodore Wind Farm will have the capacity to generate enough electricity to power around 410,000 Queensland homes. 

When given the green light to start major works, the project is expected to take up to four years to complete. Theodore Wind Farm is estimated to create up to 500 jobs at peak construction period and a further 50 ongoing jobs over its projected 35-year operational life. RWE is committed to prioritising local employment and engagement with Queensland businesses whenever possible. 

The second renewable energy project identified through the MoU will be a 720MW wind farm in its early-stage development. There has been no further information released on this project. 

“RWE is excited to be partnering with Stanwell on these two major projects and assisting Queensland to achieve their renewable energy ambitions. RWE sees Australia as a very attractive renewable energy growth market and we are looking forward to working on developing the proposed Theodore Wind Farm. 

“We are committed to increasing our presence in the Australian market, and the signing of this memorandum of understanding with Stanwell for Theodore, and another of our Queensland projects, is a demonstration of this commitment,” RWE AG CEO Dr Markus Krebber said. 

The proposed wind farms to be developed under the MoU are expected to be completed by 2029. These renewable energy projects will help deliver the Queensland Government’s renewable energy target of 80 per cent by 2035 through the support to Stanwell’s commitment to build a renewables portfolio of 9 – 10GW of generation and 3 – 3.5GW of storage by 2035. 

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring Queensland’s energy assets remain in the hands of Queenslanders, with this partnership further strengthening Stanwell’s capability to continue to deliver cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy. 

“Because of Queensland’s enviable position thanks to the Energy and Jobs Plan and our world-class government owned corporations, we are continuing to attract significant investment and expertise from global companies that ensure we remain a powerhouse for manufacturing and export opportunity. 

“As we surpass 25% renewable energy uptake and progress our target of 80% by 2035, we are seeing more investment and more good jobs for Queenslanders, particularly in regional and rural communities,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Minister for Public Works and Procurement Mick de Brenni said. 

Partnerships between publicly owned corporations and private companies are vital to retaining as well as growing industry in the State with large energy consumers such as Arnott’s Biscuits and Anglo American turning to renewables to help them meet their decarbonisation targets. 

The Queensland Government is committed to maintaining public ownership of generation and is working closely with local investors to ensure that the State’s world-class renewable resources are leveraged to achieve Queensland’s decarbonisation goals. 

“Queensland is perfectly positioned to capitalise from the biggest change to the global energy market since the industrial revolution. 

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is creating quality skilled work for Queenslanders while encouraging private investment through the Government’s clear intent to reach 80 per cent renewable energy by 2035. 

“Our Government’s commitment to this plan was confirmed in the recent budget, with $19 billion allocated across renewable energy, storage, and network projects. 

“RWE has been in the energy sector for more than 125 years and this partnership with publicly owned generation company Stanwell opens the door for Queensland to leverage RWE’s international expertise and investment for the first time,” Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; RWE (1, 2); Renew Economy