WIND FARM RISES UP
10 Jul 2018
In what will be one of Australia’s largest wind farms to date, the Queensland government has approved the $1 billion Lacour Energy wind farm project planned for Clarke Creek, which will see up to 195 turbines installed.
The approval comes as part of Queensland’s $20 billion pipeline of energy projects, with almost $4.5 billion already committed to or underway, as the state government focuses on reaching its 50 percent renewable energy target by 2030.
Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the project will usher in associated infrastructure such as substations, temporary workers’ accommodation, staff and operational facilities and powerlines.
“This means jobs for the region over the project’s 36-month construction period and more clean energy that our state can tap into,” he explained. “It’s estimated 350 jobs will be created during construction.”
“It is a unique renewable energy project which combines excellent wind and solar resources at a location directly adjacent to the backbone of the Powerlink 275 kV transmission network,” stated Mark Rayner, director of Lacour Energy. “The wind farm development approval is a significant milestone for the project.”
The feasibility study aims to be completed by the end of next year, so construction on the project can commence early 2019.