The billion-dollar Clarke Creek wind farm located 150 kilometres northwest of Rockhampton is ready for construction to commence in 2021. This two-stage project is expected to have energy flowing into the grid by 2023.
Lacour Energy and Goldwin are set to build the 450-megawatt wind farm near Marlborough after agreeing to a deal with Stanwell Corporation which would see almost 75 per cent of the energy generated sold to the large electricity generator.
The wind farm will comprise 101 wind turbines which will power approximately 320,000 Queensland households. Stage two of the project will provide a further 400 megawatts.
The Clarke Creek wind farm is the newest addition to the 39 large-scale renewable projects the QLD Government has committed to in the last five years.
Queensland’s Energy Minister, Anthony Lynham states this project plays a part in Queensland’s economic strategy for recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic, which is supported by the lowest average electricity prices on the eastern seaboard.
“That plan includes investing in traditional infrastructure and supporting the renewables industry because that supports jobs,” Lynham said.
Member for Keppel and Assistant Education Minister, Brittany Lauga confirms that both job growth and renewable energy are exactly what Central Queensland needs.
“This project means 350 construction jobs once work starts next year, and up to 15 full-time operational jobs once Clarke Creek is generating,” she said.
“With the government’s new renewable energy zone initiative for Central Queensland, Clarke Creek could be the forerunner of more new renewable energy projects and jobs.”
“Renewable energy is the cheapest form of generation, which means that more renewables help put more downward pressure on electricity prices… Projects like Clarke Creek deliver for jobs and for our power bills.”
The Clarke Creek wind farm is set to become one of the largest grid-connected wind farms in Queensland.
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