Wind farm to create 150 jobs

Queensland's publicly-owned renewable energy company has signed up to take clean power from a wind farm creating 150 jobs in regional Queensland.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni today announced publicly-owned energy generator CleanCo Queensland signed the agreement to take power from the Dulacca Renewable Energy Project, which will generate up to 180 megawatts (MW) of renewable wind energy and bring construction jobs to the Western Downs.

As well as creating construction jobs, Queensland’s renewable power is helping lure manufacturers to the state, decarbonising the economy and creating more jobs for Queenslanders as part of the Palaszczuk’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

“We know it’s important to ensure the jobs in the construction of this project are decent jobs, with a focus on locals and our Buy Qld procurement rules make sure of that,” Mr de Brenni said.

“CleanCo was established by the Palaszczuk Government with a mandate to bring 1,400MW of new renewable energy into the market and really drive the energy transformation through investment in renewable energy projects.

“CleanCo has committed take 70 percent or 126MW from the Dulacca Wind Farm, adding to the impressive 980MW of renewable energy CleanCo has already committed to bring to market over the next three years, bringing the total to more than 1 gigawatt (GW).

“When operational, this Dulacca Wind Farm will be able to power more than 120,000 Queensland homes.”

The Dulacca Wind Farm will be owned by Octopus Australia, one of the largest owners of renewable energy projects in Australia and RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, will support the delivery of the project.

CleanCo CEO Dr Maia Schweizer said the wind energy generated by the Dulacca Renewable Energy Project would complement CleanCo’s growing portfolio of renewable energy generation.

“CleanCo’s generation portfolio enables us to offer uniquely low-emissions energy to our large commercial and industrial customers,” Dr Schweizer said.

“Power Purchase Agreements like this one mean we can offer competitively priced energy contracts supported by renewables and our fleet of low-emissions firming generation, guaranteeing supply day and night.                                               

“The benefits of these agreements are far-reaching – our customers meet their sustainability targets at a competitive cost, helping them to remain relevant in a decarbonising world, and in turn we help Queensland meet our State emissions targets.”

RES’ CEO in Australia Matt Rebbeck said the company was proud to work together with CleanCo on this world-class project with the Power Purchase Agreement being the cornerstone that enables the project helping to accelerate the transformation to a zero-carbon future.

“As well as co-existing alongside the agricultural use of the land, the project will contribute towards the Queensland Government's target of 50% renewables by 2030,” Mr Rebbeck said.

“The Dulacca Renewable Energy Project will be constructed over a two-year period beginning this year and will bring more than $400 million in regional economic activity and a range of ongoing economic and social benefits.

“In addition, a community fund of $1.25m will provide funding opportunities for local projects, educational and environmental initiatives, community groups and organisations within the communities surrounding the project.”

Project Owner Octopus Australia’s Managing Director Sam Reynolds said the community was at the heart of the company’s involvement and significant wind projects like Dulacca were key to helping decarbonise power generation in Australia.

“This project follows our strategy of creating a diversified portfolio across location and technology that matches what the future of Australian energy should look like,” Mr Reynolds said.

“This is Octopus’ fourth large scale Australian renewable asset, and with projects in NSW, Victoria and now Queensland we hit an important milestone in managing over $1 billion, across construction and operational assets in the country, with ambitions to continue this rapid growth”.

MEDIA CONTACT: Dan Knowles 0432 681 664