Two wind farms and up to 400 jobs in the South Downs are a step closer to reality with the State Assessment and Referral Agency giving the green light.

Deputy Prime Minister and Planning Minister Steven Miles said Acciona has been given approval to build the $ 1.96 billion MacIntyre wind farm (the compound) at Cement Mills, about 40 kilometers away. southwest of Warwick.

“Soon, 180 wind turbines in the southwestern Darling Downs region will propel up to 1,026 megawatts of energy into the Queensland grid,†said Miles.

“Once operational, the MacIntyre wind farm is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power approximately 700,000 homes in Queensland.

“The MacIntyre wind farm is expected to provide up to 400 local jobs during construction, with an additional 240 jobs building the 64 km transmission line and 14 full-time jobs once in service.

“Acciona also expects its local spending during construction to exceed $ 500 million, which is great news for the communities of the Southern Downs, Goondiwindi and Toowoomba.”

Energy, Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said the project would create jobs for people in Queensland.

“I am pleased that Acciona has embarked on our government’s Buy Queensland approach to bring in local labor and suppliers for this $ 1.96 billion project,” he said. he declares.

“This will bring significant economic benefits to the Darling Downs and beyond, and more megawatts of renewables as the state strives to meet its goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030.

“The commitment to a target of 50% renewable energy by 2030 has already enabled more than $ 9.9 billion in investments since December 2016 and created 7,000 jobs in the construction sector.

Mr de Brenni said the 103 megawatt Karara wind farm, which is part of the MacIntyre wind farm, will be owned and operated by the government-owned power generator, CleanCo Queensland.

“It will be a central power generator for CleanCo and will significantly strengthen its portfolio of low-emission energy assets – owned by Queensland, for Queensland.”

In addition to owning and operating the Karara wind farm, CleanCo will also purchase 400 megawatts of renewable energy per year from the MacIntyre wind farm.

CleanCo CEO Dr Maia Schweizer said the approval was an important step forward for the project.

“CleanCo is proud to partner with Acciona to deliver such an important project in Queensland’s renewable energy landscape,†said Dr Schweizer.

“With this project, we are operating wind power with a profile that perfectly complements solar power – allowing us to provide reliable and affordable low-emission power to our large commercial and industrial customers using our unique portfolio, and is an important step towards unlocking Queensland’s potential to generate and use globally competitive clean energy. “

Acciona’s Australian chief energy officer, Brett Wickham, said the 36,000-hectare MacIntyre wind farm was the company’s largest wind farm.

“We are delighted to move forward with this project and are proud to support the Queensland government’s decarbonisation strategy.

“La Cité will prevent the emission of nearly 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.”

Part of the enclosure will be developed in partnership with Ark Energy Corporation of Queensland. Ark Energy, a subsidiary of Korea Zinc Co. and the Australian vehicle for its clean energy business, has taken a 30% stake in the 923 megawatt MacIntyre wind farm which can be exercised upon the final investment decision.

The approved enclosure layout includes the 162 MacIntyre Turbine Project, the smaller 18 Karara Turbine project and 64 km overhead transmission line to the Powerlink Grid near Millmerran.

Acciona plans to begin construction of the MacIntyre wind farm in the second half of this year and to be fully operational by 2024.