Queenslanders get the keys to new renewable energy

Queenslanders now own their first new renewable energy generation in 20 years, with publicly owned generator CleanCo building a new wind farm near Warwick as part of a precinct that will create 400 jobs and supply up to nearly 700,000 homes.

Early works are expected to start later this year, with construction scheduled to run from mid-2021 to 2024, with the Precinct generating its first power from mid-2022.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad today announced that CleanCo’s publicly owned wind farm will be part of the 1026-megawatt MacIntyre Wind Farm Precinct on the Southern Downs.

“For the next few months, the entire focus of the Queensland Government is on protecting Queenslanders’ health, Queensland jobs and Queensland businesses.

“But when we move into the recovery phase, we need shovel-ready projects that will support more jobs in more industries, especially in regional Queensland.

“This is what CleanCo is all about - building, owning and operating a wind farm of 18 turbines with the capacity to generate up to 100 megawatts of new renewable energy,” the Deputy Premier said.

“On behalf of Queenslanders, CleanCo will also buy another 400 megawatts of new renewable energy from ACCIONA.

 “CleanCo’s involvement in the MacIntyre Precinct has nearly doubled the size and capacity of the wind farm, with Queenslanders set to benefit from the addition of more than one gigawatt of new renewable energy to our electricity network—the equivalent to powering almost 700,000 homes.”

Minister for Energy Dr Anthony Lynham said the project would mean jobs and business opportunities across the Southern Downs and Darling Downs.

“As one of the largest onshore wind farms in the southern hemisphere, the MacIntyre Precinct will have far reaching and long lasting social and economic benefits locally, and for the whole state,” Dr Lynham said.

“The local spend on the Downs is forecast to be more than $500 million during construction,

“That’s jobs and business flowing into the south west from later this year when early works start.”

Dr Lynham said the 1026 MW wind farm project was expected to be progressively connected to the statewide energy grid from 2022, with 64 km of new powerlines connecting the wind farm to Queensland’s electricity network at Millmerran.

“State-owned Powerlink has already commenced working on the connection of the project to the grid, which on its own will support up to 240 jobs.”

 ACCIONA Australia Energy Managing Director Brett Wickham said ACCIONA was excited to be working with CleanCo to deliver one of the largest onshore wind farms in the southern hemisphere.

“In addition to generating up to 400 jobs over its lifetime, a Community Enhancement Program will be established to deliver added value to the local community,” Mr Wickham said.

“The project is scheduled to begin construction in mid-2021, with a gradual start-up in phases to ensure connection to the grid with full technical guarantees for the state's electricity system. The entire MacIntyre complex will be operational in 2024.”

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Media contacts:

Deputy Premier’s Office      Geoff Breusch           0417 272 875

Minister Lynham’s Office    Jan Martin                  0439 341 314

ACCIONA                              Jamin Smith              0451 755 355