CleanCo invests in development of 372MW wind farm in Central QLD

The Queensland Government, through publicly owned CleanCo, is investing in the development of a new 372MW wind farm that has the potential to power almost 200,000 homes. 

CleanCo is partnering with Central Queensland Power (CQP) – a joint venture between Renewable Energy Systems (RES) and Energy Estate – to develop the billion-dollar Moah Creek Wind Farm. 

“Because of our publicly owned energy generators, the Palaszczuk Government can deliver an orderly, timely and sustainable pipeline of renewable energy projects. 

“Because the wind and sun are free, these renewable generators like Moah Creek will increase downward pressure on electricity bills for households. 

“They will provide the energy needed for more heavy industry in cities like Gladstone and they will help us meet our renewable energy and emissions reduction targets,” Treasurer Cameron Dick said. 

The proposed wind farm is going to be built about 30 kilometres west of Rockhampton and the development will comprise of approximately 60 wind turbines. 

Moah Creek Wind Farm is anticipated to generate up to 400 jobs during its construction and a further 15 ongoing local jobs once operation as well as inject $600 million to the Queensland economy. 

“Upon its completion, the Moah Creek Wind Farm will generate enough energy to power 194,000 homes, meaning the Palaszczuk Government can continue to put ongoing downward pressure on power bills. 

“As global companies demand large-scale emissions reductions, we will protect jobs in the nation’s industrial and manufacturing heartland by delivering the transition to renewable energy. 

“The economic boost to the economy because of projects like the Moah Creek Wind Farm will mean regional and rural communities will continue to thrive, thanks to our commitment to deliver about 100,000 jobs by 2040,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement Mick de Brenni said. 

The new massive wind farm in Central Queensland is due to be completed in mid-2025. The project is still subject to essential activities such as environmental assessments, engineering preparations and procurement planning that will help advance the Moah Creek Wind Farm towards construction. 

Once completed, the Moah Creek Wind Farm will transition to public ownership. 

Previously, joint venture partners RES and Energy Estate revealed the Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project that was proposed to include a 400MW wind farm, a 200MW solar farm and 300MW of battery storage.

“We are delighted to partner with CQP in the development of the Moah Creek Wind Farm which, at 372MW will add significant capacity to our portfolio and allow us to provide our customers with tailored clean energy solutions and advance Queensland’s decarbonisation journey. 

“CleanCo is committed to working with CQP to ensure this critical project is delivered in collaboration with the local community. We recognise our responsibility to get this right for all stakeholders, to ensure maximum economic value flows to regional Queensland, while protecting the environment,” CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe said. 

Project location (source: Moah Creek Wind Farm)

The undisclosed investment is part of a $500 million commitment from the State Budget to develop a 2.3GW pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar, together with CQP in Central Queensland, with the renewable projects to be owned and operated by CleanCo. 

Through this innovative partnership, CleanCo and CQP will undertake a rigorous assessment of projects in Central Queensland and shortlist them based on the best outcomes for the environment, communities, industry and the State’s overall renewable energy transformation. 

The pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects is estimated to create up to 4,000 Queensland jobs during construction. Not only will the Central Queensland portfolio of renewable energy developments boost job opportunities, but it will also strengthen the region’s economy and help decarbonise some of the State’s most energy intensive industries. 

“CQP is proud to announce this major step in our partnership with CleanCo. 

“We are excited by the huge opportunity the partnership presents to accelerate the transition to clean energy in the Central Queensland region and to support Queensland’s plans to achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets. 

“CQP is dedicated to developing a large portfolio of high-quality renewable energy projects through close engagement with landowners, traditional custodians, local communities and local stakeholders which deliver significant economic, environmental, and social benefits within the region,” Central Queensland Power Director Annette Deveson said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Moah Creek Wind Farm; Renew Economy; Renewables Now