Massive renewable energy hub proposed to be built in Central QLD

A new massive renewable energy hub has been proposed to be built in Central Queensland to help accelerate the transition to clean power use as well as decarbonisation of communities as well as heavy industry in the region. 

Project developers RES Energy and Energy Estate are fast tracking the development of Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project, which is the first stage of the larger integrated 2GW Central Queensland Power (CQP) project. 

The Moah Creek project is going to be comprised of a 400MW wind farm, a 200MW solar farm and 300MW of battery storage. 

Through a statement, the project developers said: “We envisage (the project) will facilitate the transition of Central Queensland’s power supply towards firmed renewable energy and in doing so to secure the future of heavy industry in the region. 

“The location of this project was chosen for its good wind speeds, proximity to transmission lines, transport accessibility and our ability to achieve the project goals with minimal environmental and community impacts.” 

Project location (source: Moah Creek)

The proposed project is going to be constructed on a site located about 30 kilometres west of Rockhampton. The Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project is set to connect to the national electricity grid through the Stanwell substation, located about 10 kilometres from the project site. 

“RES and Energy Estate have a shared vision for the Central Queensland region. 

“The CQP project will draw upon the strengths and experiences of both companies and is perfectly positioned to create jobs, deliver low-cost energy and support the competitiveness of the region’s existing heavy industry,” RES Australia CEO Matt Rebbeck said. 

The Moah Creek project is currently in its early stages and the project developers will be holding its first community drop-in information session on 22nd September 2021. Anyone from the community who are interested in knowing more about the project or ask questions to the project team are encouraged to drop by. Full information on the drop-in session can be found here. 

Through the project’s website, RES Energy and Energy Estate said: “Our vision for Moah Creek is to create positive and enduring social and economic legacies. We recognise that large-scale projects like CQP will result in changes to the local landscape and will be part of the surround for the next 30 plus years. As a result, we will work passionately to ensure that the community consider the changes worthwhile. 

“We have partnered with the community to build resilience against climate fluctuations, job transitions and social change. We believe that CQP will drive and deliver local innovation, local manufacturing and create a net positive impact for nearby landowners, individuals and businesses.” 

The Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project is estimated to be operational by 2025. 

The entire Central Queensland Power project is expected to have a capital expenditure of $6.7 billion, supporting over 4,500 jobs during its construction and a further 550 jobs once it is operational.

Source: Renew Economy; Moah Creek (1, 2); Central Queensland Power; Rockhampton Regional Council – Advance Rockhampton