The Broadsound Solar Farm and Battery Project in central Queensland has just installed a whopping 609,522 solar panels across the site as the project moves closer to full operations.
Developed by Iberdrola Australia, the project combines a 377 megawatt direct current solar farm with a co-located 180 megawatt/360 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system near Clarke Creek, approximately 150 kilometres northwest of Rockhampton on Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala People land.
The company confirmed the milestone via LinkedIn, highlighting the scale of the workforce involved in delivering the project.
“Behind it all is a mechanical installation team of 110 people, with close to half identifying as First Nations,” Iberdrola Australia stated.
“All part of a workforce of hundreds working to finalise this important project.”
The solar installation includes more than 91,000 piles and 7,006 solar trackers, reflecting the scale of the development as Queensland continues to expand its renewable energy pipeline.
The milestone follows the recent integration of the Broadsound Battery into the Australian Energy Market Operator’s Market Management System, marking the beginning of testing and commissioning activities for the storage component of the project.
Construction on the integrated solar and battery project commenced in September 2024 and represents Iberdrola Australia’s first renewable energy development in Queensland.
The project forms part of Iberdrola’s broader expansion strategy across Australia. In 2022, Iberdrola Executive Chairman Ignacio Galán announced plans to invest between €2 billion and €3 billion into the Australian energy market, targeting a renewable energy portfolio of approximately 4 gigawatts.
The company’s Australian portfolio includes the Ararat Wind Farm and the Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park, alongside a growing pipeline of wind, solar, battery and offshore wind developments.
