Stage 1 of Wambo Wind Farm in QLD now under construction

Construction is now underway on the first stage of the Wambo Wind Farm in Queensland, which will generate approximately 252MW of renewable energy. 

Wambo Wind Farm – located on the Western Downs, northwest of Dalby – is set to have the largest onshore wind turbines in Australia at 247 metres each. 

The 42-turbine wind farm is anticipated to create 200 jobs during its construction and support 20 ongoing management and maintenance jobs once Wambo Wind Farm is operational. 

“Cubico has been developing Wambo Wind Farm with Renewable Energy Partners since 2019, so we’re incredibly excited to have moved into construction for Stage 1 of the project. 

“This is a real landmark in Queensland’s transition from coal to renewables and we’ve been very pleased to partner with the Queensland Government, Stanwell and Powerlink, which all share in our commitment to decarbonise Australia. 

“Importantly, the project will play a role in supporting the Queensland Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan, and we are proud to be at the forefront of providing a transition to renewables for energy workers,” David Smith, a Cubico official said. 

The beginning of works on Wambo Wind Farm follows the announcement of a significant investment by the State Government that will fast track the development of large-scale solar and wind projects as well as its commitment to maintain a majority share in energy generation. 

This renewable energy project is a joint venture development between Cubico Sustainable Investments and Stanwell Corporation. The delivery of the wind farm is also backed by a $192.5 million investment from the Queensland Government’s Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund, which is Stanwell’s 50 per cent share in the project. 

The Wambo Wind Farm project builds on Stanwell’s portfolio of renewable energy assets that will support the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan target of 80 per cent renewable energy by 2035. 

“Today marks another important step forward to Queensland’s renewable energy future – starting construction of the Wambo Wind Farm, and propelling us closer to our renewable energy target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, and 80 per cent renewable energy by 2035. 

“The Wambo Wind Farm is a prime example of the Palaszczuk Government partnering with the private sector to deliver clean energy to Queenslanders, while retaining control of the energy system. 

“The power generated by the 42 wind turbines northwest of Dalby will be sent to the Queensland SuperGrid in 2025, to be connected to the state’s next pumped hydro at Borumba, west of the Sunshine Coast in 2032,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said. 

Project location (source: Wambo Wind Farm)

The development of the wind farm along with its grid connection – to be delivered by Powerlink Queensland in partnership with Cubico – is expected to generate around 450 construction jobs, with the clean energy set to protect jobs in the State’s larger industries including mining, manufacturing ang agriculture. 

Wambo Wind Farm is expected to be operational by 2025. 

Currently, a second stage is in development with other stages being considered as well by Cubico and its Renewable Energy Partners. A Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed by Stanwell and Cubico for Stage 2 of the Wambo Wind Farm. 

“This 42 turbine wind farm forms part of Stanwell’s rapidly accelerating pipeline of renewable energy projects set to total 9-10 GW of clean energy capacity by 2035. 

“Our growing pipeline means that we can expand our renewable offerings for our commercial and industrial customers and support the Palaszczuk Government’s target of 80 per cent renewable energy by 2035. 

“Today we have taken a significant step forward for Queensland’s renewable energy industry, and a major milestone in our journey to provide reliable, secure and affordable energy products for our commercial and industrial customers who want to power their businesses with clean renewable energy,” Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Wambo Wind Farm; Renew Economy; Powerlink Queensland; Southburnett.com.au