The Queensland Government and electricity supplier Stanwell Corporation have signed a 348MW power purchase agreement for the 450MW first stage of the Clarke Creek wind farm in Australia.
Lacour Energy and Goldwind are developing the project together, which will enter construction mid-next year.
The 450MW wind project has been planned based on using 101 Goldwind wind turbines, with a 348MW section of the project supplying Stanwell under the PPA.
Goldwind Australia managing director John Titchen said: “This PPA is a clear demonstration of Stanwell Corporation and the Queensland Government’s commitment to the transition to a lower emission electricity sector.
“Stanwell is an excellent partner for the project and it has been a pleasure to work with the professional Stanwell team to progress this project which will bring substantial renewable energy investment and employment in regional Queensland.
“The PPA is very important to enable engagement with investors and banks to progress to the construction phase which is targeted to commence in mid-2021.”
The wind project forms part of a hybrid renewables plant comprised of up to 195 wind turbines with a power output over 800MW, as well as a 200-400MW solar farm and battery storage.
The first stage of the project is planned to include 101 Goldwind wind turbines totalling 450MW.
Lacour Energy and Goldwind launched the Local Business Participation Program for the project in December 2018.
The programme will help identify capability in the local community and maximise opportunities for local subcontractors and suppliers to participate in the project.
The Industry Capability Network (ICN) gateway has been used to start engagement with local businesses with over 700 registrations to date.
About 350 people are expected to be employed during construction.
Lacour Energy director Mark Rayner said: “The PPA with Stanwell Corporation will allow the final steps in the development phase of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm to be completed so that construction can start in 2021.
“The project represents an excellent combination of strong, predominantly night-time wind to complement Queensland solar production.
“The project’s location is on the backbone of Powerlink’s high voltage transmission network and the project scale will make a large contribution to Queensland’s renewable energy target.
“Lacour Energy looks forward to continuing to work with all local stakeholders as we move to prepare for construction of the first-stage of the project.”