Signed MoU takes QLD Banana Range Wind Farm closer to development

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between CS Energy and EDF Renewables for the development of the Banana Range Wind Farm in Central Queensland, taking this renewable energy project closer to reality. 

The new wind farm will comprise of about 51 turbines, generating 230MW of renewable energy that is enough to power up to 15,000 homes. 

“The Banana Range Wind Farm is part of the renewable energy revolution happening in Queensland. 

“Since 2015, 50 large scale wind and solar farms have been committed with more than $10 billion of investment and supporting 7,900 jobs. 

“We expect construction to kick off at Banana Range in 2024 before coming online in 2026 and putting Queensland another step closer to our 50 per cent renewable energy target while providing decent, secure jobs for Queenslanders,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. 

The Banana Range Wind Farm will add to the pipeline of renewable energy projects in Queensland that will help diversify the portfolios of the State’s publicly owned energy companies as well as demonstrate their vital role in the energy transformation in the region. 

“With an established presence in Central Queensland, CS Energy can draw on existing skills to build local capacity as part of the renewable revolution. 

“With this commitment to local procurement, this project would create secure employment and training opportunities for communities like Biloela, Moura and Gladstone,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said. 

With the MoU signed, CS Energy is now considering both offtake agreement and equity participation in the Banana Range Wind Farm development. 

According to CS Energy CEO Andrew Bills, the MoU complements recent investments made by the company in renewable hydrogen as well as energy storage. 

“This MoU demonstrates CS Energy’s commitment to securing a balanced mix of energy sources that can meet our customers’ requirements while also supporting Queensland power system security and reliability,” Mr Bills said. 

EDF Renewables Australia CEO Dave Johnson said that the agreement with CS Energy aligns with the two companies’ common interest in the region. 

“CS Energy has an established, long-term presence in the Banana Shire Council district through its Callide Power Station, and EDF Renewables is building a large presence in the same community with the construction of the Banana Range Wind Farm. 

“It’s an ideal partnership that brings together like-minded companies working together on common interests, which includes maximising opportunities for the local community through the energy transformation,” Mr Johnson said. 

The Banana Range Wind Farm project is estimated to cost $500 million, with about $30 to $40 million to be spent in the local and regional community through employment of local service providers and contractors. 

This renewable energy project is anticipated to generate up to 150 jobs during its construction phase and about 15 full-time jobs over its 25-year operational life. 

The project is located approximately 120 kilometres south-west of Gladstone and 20 kilometres of the town of Biloela. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; EDF Renewables – Banana Range Wind Farm (1, 2); The National Tribune