The Clarke Creek Wind Farm, located in Queensland, has installed its 50th wind turbine, marking the halfway point in the construction of its 450MW renewable energy project.
The farm is now already generating clean energy, as the early stages of commissioning and testing are underway.
Squadron Energy, the project developer, began construction in July 2022, with the first turbine installed in September 2023.
The wind farm, situated 150km north-west of Rockhampton, is located on the land of the Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala peoples.
Once fully operational, the first stage of the farm will generate enough power to supply approximately 330,000 Queensland homes, preventing the emission of 738,000 tonnes of carbon annually.
At a media event, Tattarang CEO John Hartman, Squadron Energy CEO Rob Wheals, and Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke celebrated the milestone.
“Reaching the halfway mark on turbine installation is a significant milestone given Squadron Energy started constructing the wind farm in July 2022 and the first turbine was installed last September,” Hartman said.
“Clarke Creek Wind Farm is essential to our mission of transforming Australia’s energy sector as we continue to replace ageing coal-fired power stations with green renewable energy.”
Wheals said reaching this point in construction was a testament to the dedication of the many teams working together to deliver this significant project for Queensland’s energy transition.
“There are more than 15 Queensland businesses that are actively contributing to this project, showcasing the collaborative effort that is driving Queensland’s energy transition,” Wheals said.
“I’d like to thank the BKY Traditional Owners, our delivery partners including Goldwind, our landowners, the onsite team and the local community – all who have contributed to make this milestone a reality.”
The project has already had a substantial economic impact, creating over 350 jobs during construction and injecting $110 million into the local economy. More than 15 Queensland-based businesses have been actively involved in the project, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the state’s energy transition.
Stanwell Corporation, a key partner, has a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement with the wind farm.
O’Rourke said once operational, the company will purchase more than 75 per cent of the clean energy generated from the first stage of Clarke Creek Wind Farm, helping to secure Queensland’s clean energy future.
Clarke Creek Wind Farm has also recently completed its generation registration with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), marking another step toward its full integration into the state’s power grid.
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