Spanish energy company Acciona is to build its largest ever wind farm in Australia, the 1026MW MacIntyre complex in Queensland.
Acciona said the project will mobilise about A$1.96bn (€1.01bn) in investments, mainly between 2022 and 2023.
The complex will consist of 180 Nordex Delta4000 turbines, each with a capacity of up to 5.7MW and tip heights of 285 metres.
An agreement has been reached between Acciona and CleanCo, the Queensland government’s newest renewable energy generator, for the latter to become the independent owner and operator of a 100MW wind farm within the MacIntyre complex.
In addition, CleanCo will acquire the annual production of 400MW from Acciona’s facilities for 10 years through a power purchase agreement.
Acciona is also negotiating additional supply agreements with private clients as well as the possible involvement of other offtaker-investor partners for its 926MW of the MacIntyre complex.
Construction is scheduled to start in mid-2021, with a gradual start-up in phases.
Some 64km of transmission lines will be laid to connect MacIntyre to the grid.
The complex is scheduled to be fully operational in 2024.
Up to 400 jobs will be generated over the life of the project, while local spend during construction is expected to exceed A$500m.
Acciona will also establish a Community Enhancement Program to channel financial assistance to community groups and local schools.
In addition, a Community Scholarship Program will provide financial support for college and TAFE students.