Two onshore wind projects for Queensland

RWE and Stanwell Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver two Queensland onshore wind projects with a combined capacity of up to 1.8 gigawatts (GW).

Under the MoU, Stanwell will investigate and assess energy offtakes and potential equity investment in RWE’s Theodore Wind Farm, a project of up to 1,100 megawatts (MW) under development near Biloela, and a second wind farm of up to 720 MW in early-stage development in southern Queensland. According to current plans, the two projects could be completed and start operations by 2029, subject to securing the necessary permits, grid connection and final investment decisions.

The proposed Theodore Wind Farm is expected to generate enough electricity to power 410,000 homes, as well as create more than 500 jobs during peak construction periods and up to 50 ongoing jobs during the project’s 35-year operations.

The agreement envisages the offtake of renewable electricity by Stanwell and the potential equity involvement of Stanwell in the projects.

Australia is one of RWE’s focus markets, where it has been present for 10 years. In 2018, RWE started its first renewable energy project on the continent with the construction and subsequent operation of the Limondale solar farm in Balranald, New South Wales. With an installed capacity of 249 MWac, the large-scale solar farm consists of 872,000 panels and covers an area of 770 hectares. Full commercial operation started in 2021.

In May 2023, RWE was successful in AEMO Services inaugural competitive tender for generation and long duration storage infrastructure and has been awarded a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) to deliver and operate Australia’s first eight-hour battery.

RWE Renewables Australia is working on developing utility-scale wind, solar and battery projects in Queensland and other states. The company has an exciting pipeline of projects and a growing team of more than 45 people, backed by the experience of the 5,300 people strong team of RWE dedicated to onshore wind, solar, battery and offshore across the European, North American and Asia Pacific regions.

Stanwell Corporation is a major provider of electricity and energy solutions to Queensland, the National Electricity Market and large energy users throughout Australia. Stanwell’s portfolio includes more than 3,000 MW of renewable energy under contract, in construction or development.