Queensland’s transition to a renewable energy future is another step closer thanks to a 348 MW offtake agreement between Stanwell and Clarke Creek Wind Farm.
Located in the heart of Central Queensland approximately 150 km north-west of Rockhampton, construction of the two-stage project is expected to commence in 2021, with the clean energy generated expected to flow into the grid from 2023.
Stanwell CEO Richard Van Breda said the project would boost local employment and economic development and play a key role in helping to rebuild Queensland’s economy post COVID-19.
“As part of its agreement with Stanwell, Clarke Creek Wind Farm has committed to prioritising Queensland businesses, supporting local jobs in regional Queensland, and investing where possible in local Queensland economies” Mr Van Breda said.
“The project will provide significant employment and economic benefits to the Central Queensland region, creating up to 350 jobs during construction and maintaining up to 15 full time jobs once it’s up and running.
“Benefits to the local economy are estimated to be $130 million over the project lifetime with direct local spend to include a $200,000 per year community fund.”
Goldwind Australia Managing Director John Titchen said the 850 MW wind farm would be delivered in two stages – the first stage providing 450 MW of wind power generation and stage two to provide a further 400 MW.
“Clarke Creek Wind Farm will be one of Queensland’s largest grid-connected wind farms and will help propel Queensland towards its target of 50 per cent renewables by 2030,” Mr Titchen said.
“The first stage of the project will comprise 101 wind turbines; enough to power the equivalent of approximately 320,000 Queensland homes.
“The site has predominantly night-time wind which means the wind farm will complement Queensland’s high level of solar production during the day.”
Mr Van Breda said the offtake agreement with Clarke Creek Wind Farm would play an important role in helping to reduce the carbon intensity of Stanwell’s generation portfolio.
“Our large commercial and industrial customers want ‘greener’ products to complement other sustainability actions that they are taking,” Mr Van Breda said.
“The Clarke Creek Wind Farm offtake agreement will enable us to provide clean, renewable energy to our customers, and also decarbonise our portfolio.”
Mr Van Breda said Stanwell and Clarke Creek Wind Farm had also held positive discussions regarding Stanwell’s employees’ potential involvement in both the construction and operation of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm.
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