Queensland takes its next step towards a renewable energy future as works commence at Wambo Wind Farm

9 June 2023

• Construction works have commenced at Wambo Wind Farm, a 252 MW joint venture project between Cubico Sustainable Investment and Stanwell Corporation, located in near Jandowae in the Western Downs region of Queensland.
• The milestone was celebrated by industry and community partners at a sod-turn event on Thursday 8 June.
• Wambo Wind Farm will generate 252 MW of clean energy towards the QEJP targets of 80% renewable energy by 2035.
• The project forms part of Stanwell’s rapidly advancing renewable energy pipeline and has harnessed the support of industry, community and Queensland government to drive positive outcomes for our community, environment and people.

Construction has commenced at Wambo Wind Farm, a joint venture partnership between Stanwell Corporation and Cubico Sustainable Investments set to generate 252 MW of clean energy for Queenslanders by 2035 and boost the local economy with jobs and social investment.

Wambo Wind Farm is the latest project in Stanwell’s rapidly advancing portfolio of renewable energy assets to support the Queensland Energy and Jobs plan target of 80% renewable energy by 2035.

Located near Jandowae in the Western Downs region of Queensland, Wambo Wind is backed by a $192.5 million investment from Queensland Government’s Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund for Stanwell’s 50% share in the project.

The project is anticipated to create approximately 200 construction jobs, with up to 8-9 ongoing operational and maintenance roles, along with an additional 245 jobs created through Powerlink’s grid connection works.

Quotes attributable to the Minister: 

“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.”

Quotes attributable to David Smith, Cubico:

“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 significant 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.”

Quotes attributable to Michael O’Rourke, CEO Stanwell:

“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% 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.

Facts about Wambo Wind Farm

• Wambo Wind Farm is expected to commence commercial operations by 2025.  
• Stage One will generate 252 MW of clean energy through 42 turbines, enough to power approximately 170,500 houses annually and avoid the emission of more than 1.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. 
• Stage Two (up to 68 wind turbines) is now in development and if feasible, has the capacity to double the size of Wambo Wind Farm to generate 500MW of renewable energy. 
• Stanwell’s share of Wambo Wind Farm is backed by a $192.5 million investment from Queensland Government’s Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund 
• The Wambo Community Benefit Fund was announced on 8 June 2023. This Fund will invest $100K annually into the local community during construction.  

More information

• Wambo Wind Farm joins Queensland’s race to renewables – Ministerial Media Statements