Queensland government-owned CS Energy is mulling an equity participation in EDF Renewables’ proposed 230MW Banana Range Wind Farm and could offtake power from the project.
EDF and CS Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding on the Central Queensland project, which is due to start construction in 2024.
Operations at the wind farm are scheduled to begin in 2026.
EDF Renewables Australia CEO Dave Johnson said the MoU aligned both parties’ common interests in the region.
He said: “CS Energy has an established, long-term presence in the Banana Shire Council district through its Callide Power Station, and EDF Renewables is building a large presence in the same community with the construction of the Banana Range Wind Farm.
“It’s an ideal partnership that brings together like-minded companies working together on common interests, which includes maximising opportunities for the local community through the energy transformation.”
CS Energy CEO Andrew Bills said the MoU complements recent investments the publicly-owned power company has made in renewable hydrogen and energy storage.
He added: “This MoU demonstrates CS Energy’s commitment to securing a balanced mix of energy sources that can meet our customers’ requirements while also supporting Queensland power system security and reliability.”