Renewable energy from the Wambo Wind Farm project is now flowing into Queensland’s electricity grid for the first time, marking a major construction milestone for the Western Downs project.

The first blades started turning at Diamondy this week after Wambo Wind Farm principal contractor, Vestas, kicked off the process of energisation and commissioning of the first group of six wind turbines on Friday 30 May.

The commissioning and testing process of the first turbines will take several months. Once complete, the first commissioning stage will see around 36 MW of electricity flowing into the grid.

Wambo’s wind turbines will continue to undergo a rigorous series of performance and compliance tests to ensure the turbines are operating safely, correctly and in accordance with regulatory requirements before commencing commercial operations.

Over the coming months Vestas will ramp up its commissioning activities with 42 turbines eventually producing 252 MW from stage 1 of the project, which is expected to enter commercial operations late this year.

Once stages 1 & 2 of the project are complete, a total of 83 turbines will supply more than 500 MW of clean energy to Queensland’s energy system by 2026.

Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said the energisation and commissioning process of Wambo Wind Farm’s first turbines was a significant milestone and achievement for the Western Downs project.

“The Western Downs is one of the most significant renewable energy hubs in Queensland, and Wambo is a powerful part of that story,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“It’s been over two years since construction started to get to this point and to see the first blades of the first turbines now spinning and producing renewable energy for the first time is an incredible moment.

“Stanwell is delivering the project in partnership with Cubico. Under the joint venture, Stanwell will own half of the energy produced and purchase the rest of the power from Cubico under a 15-year agreement.

“Once stages 1 & 2 are complete, Wambo Wind Farm will produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 312,000 homes, supporting our industrial and commercial customers and feeding energy into the National Electricity Market.”

Cubico Sustainable Investments Country Head of Australia David Smith paid tribute to the workforce and local community for their contribution in reaching this milestone.

“Over the coming months, the project team will work closely with our project partners to progressively connect all 42 turbines that form the Stage 1 development,” he said.

“I’d like to thank our project principal contractor Vestas and all their teams – there are hundreds of workers have played a role this achievement.

“We also acknowledge and thank the Western Wakka Wakka and Barunggam people on whose traditional lands Wambo Wind Farm is built.

“Their efforts in ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage across the project’s construction area and knowledge of the land were invaluable.

“We also want to acknowledge and thank our neighbours across our surrounding districts for their patience during the construction activity it has taken to get the project at this point.

“Renewable projects bring an incredible economic boost to regions like the Western Downs with Wambo and associated Powerlink connection works creating approximately 400 jobs during construction.”

When operating, the Wambo Wind Farm will provide approximately $5 million in direct financial contributions to the region per year.