Wambo Wind Farm – a proposed 252 MW wind farm project in the Western Downs region of Queensland – has been shortlisted to receive investment through the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund under a potential joint venture arrangement between Stanwell Corporation (Stanwell) and project developer, Cubico Sustainable Investments (Cubico).
Stanwell will receive up to $192.5 million from the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund to deliver its proportion of the project, pending the successful outcome of a Board approved Business Case and subsequent shareholding Minister approval.
Cubico has proposed to deliver Wambo Wind Farm in two stages, with the first stage to consist of approximately 42 turbines, and the second stage contingent upon grid availability and feasibility studies.
The project will employ around 200 people during construction, and up to 8 ongoing operations and maintenance jobs. Construction is expected to commence in 2022, with commercial operations expected from 2024.
Cubico’s Head of Australia, David Smith said Cubico was proud to partner with Stanwell on the Wambo Wind Farm project.
“We have been developing the project since 2019 and are fully supportive of the Queensland Government’s goal to deliver on its renewable energy target while maximising local jobs and industry benefits,” Mr Smith said.
“As a sign of Cubico’s commitment to local employment we have undertaken an extensive supply chain mapping process that gives suppliers in the region the best opportunity to understand what is needed for the construction and operation of the wind farm and make their goods and services known to our contractors.
“We have also developed a local content charter that commits us to a procurement process that provides maximum opportunity for companies in the neighbouring area to be involved.”
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said Wambo Wind Farm was one of a number of strategic partnerships Stanwell was pursuing to support the diversification of its business.
“We are developing a pipeline of renewable energy projects to meet the growing commercial and industrial customer demand for low emission energy solutions, and to provide opportunities for our people,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“Our proposed joint venture with Cubico could see Stanwell own 50 per cent of the Wambo Wind Farm’s output and dispatch the remaining 50 per cent of the power generated under a power purchase agreement.
“Wambo Wind Farm is strategically located within the Southern Renewable Energy Zone and is in close proximity to our existing operations, which may allow for additional opportunities for our workforce to provide asset maintenance services to the wind farm.”
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