Powerlink has successfully completed the connection works for Queensland’s second Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), paving the way for the state’s largest onshore wind farm to start supplying clean energy to the grid.
The project involved the construction of two 330 kilovolt (kV) switching stations, 65km of new 330kV transmission lines, and 165 towers. Once fully operational, the MacIntyre Wind Precinct will have the capacity to power up to 700,000 homes with renewable wind energy.
“This is a significant milestone on one of Powerlink’s flagship projects, with the MacIntyre Wind Farm being the first stage in our Southern Downs Renewable Energy Zone,” Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser said.
“We are proud to be partnering with ACCIONA Energia to connect this world-class project to our transmission network, supporting the state’s renewable energy targets and creating jobs and economic benefits for the region.”
The completion of Powerlink’s connection works means the MacIntyre Wind Farm, owned by ACCIONA Energia, is now ready to be connected to the grid. The first wind turbines are expected to start supplying power in stages throughout 2024 and 2025 as the wind farm undergoes testing and commissioning.
“This milestone is a major achievement as part of Queensland’s energy transition,” ACCIONA Energia Managing Director Brett Wickham said. “Powerlink have been outstanding partners on this project to connect the biggest wind farm in the southern hemisphere into the electricity grid.”
The connection works included the installation of 165 transmission towers, 690km of transmission line, 125km of fibre optic cable, and supported 220 jobs, with 11 local suppliers engaged.
“Queensland is the place to be for renewable energy projects,” Wickham said.
“With great policy, partners and plans, Queensland leads the way in the energy transition, creating jobs and developing regions in the process.”
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