A second stage has been confirmed for Queensland’s jointly owned Wambo Wind Farm, unlocking the power of an additional 41 Vestas wind turbines to fuel the state’s transformation to renewables with more than 500 megawatts (MW) of clean energy from the project.
Located near Jandowae in the Western Downs region of Queensland, the Wambo Wind Farm is being constructed through a 50:50 joint venture partnership between Cubico Sustainable Investments and Stanwell Corporation Limited.
Stanwell and Cubico today announced a second stage of Wambo Wind Farm will be delivered by 2026, adding 41 new Vestas wind turbines to the project and boosting the wind farm’s renewable energy generation by 254.2 MW.
Stage One of the project is currently under construction and will supply 252 MW of renewable energy by 2025.Stanwell’s interest in the second stage of the project is backed by a $263.3 million investment from the Queensland Government through the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund, bringing the total Queensland Government investment across both stages to $455.8 million.
The project’s 83 Vestas wind turbines will be some of the largest installed in Australia, at 247m tall, and state-owned network company Powerlink is currently constructing a new 50km transmission line to connect the wind farm to the grid.
The project will support more than 200 jobs during construction and a further eight ongoing jobs during operation. Under the joint venture arrangements, Stanwell will also dispatch the other 50 percent of the power generated by the wind farm under power purchase and capacity purchase agreements with Cubico.
When complete, Stages One and Two will supply more than 500 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to the National Electricity Market, helping to realise the Queensland Government’s commitment to deliver 80% renewable energy by 2035.
Wambo Wind Farm forms part of the in-flight Western Downs Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
Quotes attributable to the Minister:
“Wambo Wind Farm is a significant project in Queensland’s renewable energy pipeline. Through the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan we are delivering clean energy, jobs and economic opportunities for our regions, and that’s exactly what Wambo Wind Farm offers.
“The Miles Government is investing in projects that will ensure our energy system is powered by 80% renewable energy by 2035 maintaining public ownership of our critical energy generating assets.
“An additional 254.2 MW will not only deliver clean energy for large commercial and industrial customers in Queensland, it will also unlock more jobs and continued investment in the Western Downs region.”
Quotes attributable to Michael O’Rourke, CEO Stanwell
“Wambo Wind Farm is another step in the right direction when it comes to Stanwell’s rapidly advancing portfolio of renewable energy assets. It is the 14th renewable energy project in Queensland in which we have an interest or offtake and moves us one step – or 41 turbines – closer to our strategic target of 9 to 10 GW of clean renewable energy by 2035.
“We are thrilled to partner with global clean energy leader, Cubico Sustainable Investments on the next stage of Wambo Wind Farm as we know they bring the right mix of industry expertise and innovation to this project, along with a genuine commitment to sharing the benefit of the renewable energy transformation with Queensland’s vibrant regional communities.”
Quotes attributable to Cubico’s Head of Country, Mr David Smith
“As a world leading renewable energy company, Cubico is proud of our role assisting Queensland to achieve its ambitious renewables goals, with over 500MW in construction to date. Cubico’s pipeline of development projects is at 2 GW and growing, signalling our commitment to being a key partner in the decarbonization of Queensland’s and Australia’s energy landscape and a long-term partner for local communities.
“Cubico is proud to be partnering with Stanwell with the expansion of Wambo Wind Farm to further deliver upon the Queensland Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan.”