The Queensland Government recently announced its plans to nearly double the capacity of the Wambo wind farm project in the southwest region of the state.
The expansion of the Wambo Stage 2 project will see the addition of 41 turbines to the existing 42-turbine farm in Jandowae, resulting in a total energy production of 506 megawatts (MW) by 2026.
These turbines, towering at 247m, are among the largest onshore wind turbines in the nation.
Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni said the state’s abundant wind resources are attracting growing global interest, creating jobs and economic opportunity for Queensland.
“Queensland has the cheapest power of any state in Australia thanks to our nation-leading cost-of-living relief support and growing renewables base – and today’s announcement will help keep it that way,” de Brenni said.
“Major industrial energy users are seeking low emissions power to decarbonise their production and the Miles Government is delivering, because that’s good for the economy and good for jobs. ”
“Queensland has been the world leader in rooftop solar, are now we are building world-class wind power thanks to partnerships between publicly owned energy companies like Stanwell, and world-renowned clean energy company Cubico Sustainable Investments.”
The Queensland Government, through its Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, aims to reduce household power bills by about $150 per year and small business costs by approximately $1495 annually by 2032, with the assistance of projects like Wambo Stages 1 and 2.
Additionally, wholesale prices are expected to decrease by around 15 per cent by 2040 as the state transitions to renewable energy.
The Wambo wind farm is a collaborative effort between publicly owned energy company, Stanwell Corporation, and global sustainable developer, Cubico. Stanwell will own 50 per cent of the energy produced, with the remaining power purchased from Cubico under a 15-year agreement.
Doubling the size of Wambo is anticipated to contribute significantly to the state’s goal of achieving 70 per cent renewables by 2032, with the added benefit of stimulating the local economy.
The construction phase is expected to create around 200 direct jobs and up to 500 indirect jobs, providing a substantial economic stimulus during the multi-year build.
Foundations for the first wind turbines of Wambo Stage 1 are already underway, and construction of Stage 2 is scheduled to commence in mid-2024. Commercial operation of Stage 1 is expected by 2025, with Stage 2 following in 2026, creating an additional eight ongoing jobs.
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