The government of Queensland in Australia has granted development approval to a 1200MW onshore wind farm.
The A$2bn (€1.2bn) Forest Wind project will comprise up to 226 turbines, with construction starting as early as the fourth quarter of 2020, subject to final consideration by the developer Forest Wind Holdings and the company finalising all contractual agreements.
Forest Wind Holdings is a joint venture between CleanSight and Siemens Financial Services.
Queensland Minister for Planning Cameron Dick said: “If it proceeds, this project could create around 440 jobs during construction and a further 50 full time jobs during operation.
“This is a major clean energy project for Queensland and will contribute to our target of 50% renewables by 2030.
“Forest Wind has the potential to generate up to 1200MW of electricity at capacity, which is enough to supply one in four Queensland homes.
“This is enough power for all homes across the Wide Bay-Burnett, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast combined.
“The wind farm is proposed to be developed within state forest land between Gympie and Maryborough, a unique location and a great example of coexistence between established southern pine timber plantations that support our forestry industry and new large-scale renewable energy.”
State Energy Minister Anthony Lynham said the project would join Queensland’s existing 5.5GW of renewable energy capacity.
He said: “Since December 2016, almost A$5bn has been invested in almost 2500MW of new renewable generation in Queensland, creating almost 5000 jobs.
“More generation helps put downward pressure on power prices, and give Queenslanders have the lowest electricity prices on the eastern seaboard.”
Forest Wind Holdings chairman James Pennay said the project’s location has been carefully selected to take advantage of the plantation’s large working environment.
Pennay said: “We have established a three-kilometre separation distance from residents to wind turbines to ensure industry, the local community and the environment can coexist harmoniously.
“We have been undertaking consultation with the local community and stakeholders and we are looking forward to continuing that engagement through the next phase of the project’s development, including with the Butchulla and Kabi Kabi first nation peoples.”
Dick said the project is being advanced as an Exclusive Transaction by the Queensland Government’s Investment Facilitation and Partnerships Group within the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning.
“This group aims to provide a clear entry point for major investment projects and a customised and streamlined pathway to decision-makers across government,” he said.