Queensland is taking a major step forward in its renewable energy transition, as construction gets underway on a $500 million solar farm near Gladstone.
The Aldoga Solar Farm, located approximately 20km northwest of Gladstone, will feature up to 820,000 solar modules with a peak capacity of 480 megawatts.
The project is a partnership between the Queensland government and leading renewable energy company ACCIONA Energía.
The solar farm will be strategically situated within the Gladstone State Development Area on land owned by Economic Development Queensland. ACCIONA Energía has signed a development lease with the government as part of its commitment to increasing renewable energy supply, generating jobs, and supporting economic growth in the state.
Premier Steven Miles said the project is a key part of the government’s plan to reduce emissions by 75 per cent by 2035. “Our target, along with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, gives big business the confidence that the sunshine state is the best place to invest in renewables,” he said.
The solar farm is expected to provide $150 million in local procurement opportunities and create up to 350 jobs during construction, as well as 10 ongoing full-time roles once operational. ACCIONA Energía’s community benefits program will also provide $120,000 in annual funding for local initiatives.
All of the electricity generated at the Aldoga Solar Farm will be supplied to Stanwell Corporation’s proposed Central Queensland Hydrogen project (CQ-H2) – Queensland’s largest renewable hydrogen project, which aims to export hydrogen to Japan and Singapore.
Queensland’s Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni said the project is a prime example of how Queensland is building its energy independence and supporting the local manufacturing industry.
“Projects like the Aldoga Solar Farm are helping to build our nation’s energy independence, one panel at a time,” he said.
The Aldoga Solar Farm is expected to be operational by mid-2026 and operate for 30 years, avoiding 930,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per annum.
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