Stanwell is at the forefront of Queensland’s efforts to decarbonise its energy generation mix, developing a pipeline of renewable energy and storage projects that will play a key role in powering our clean energy future.

Throughout 2023/24, Stanwell made significant progress in implementing its renewable energy strategy, working hard to grow a portfolio of projects that will deliver clean, reliable energy for generations to come.  These projects, whether through equity investments or power purchase agreements (PPAs), will help Queensland meet its target of 80 per cent renewable energy by 2035, as well as its emissions reduction targets, while driving job creation and lowering electricity prices in the long term.

By 2035, Stanwell aims to have 9 to 10 gigawatts (GW) of large-scale wind and solar capacity in place, as well as 5 GW of firming (energy storage). This clean energy pipeline will lay the foundation for Queensland’s clean industry and technology future.

These are the projects we progressed throughout 2023/24 – but we know this is just the start, and there is so much more to do. 

Blue Grass Solar Farm (PPA) – 49 MW

Operational: Now

Located 14 km from Chinchilla in Queensland’s Western Downs, the 200 MW Blue Grass Solar Farm is equipped with 375,000 bifacial solar panels and half-cut cells, which enhance performance and efficiency. During its two-year construction phase, the project created 400 local jobs and delivered more than $200 million in investment for Queensland. Stanwell acts as the intermediary for the Blue Grass Solar Farm, responsible for dispatching and bidding the electricity generated into the National Electricity Market (NEM).

MacIntyre Wind Farm (PPA) – 150 MW

Expected Operational Date: Late 2024

The MacIntyre Wind Farm, under construction by ACCIONA Energía, is set to become one of the largest onshore wind farms in the world. Located 50 km southwest of Warwick, this 923 MW wind farm will feature 162 turbines and is expected to be fully operational by late 2025. The project has already peaked with over 1,000 construction jobs, and once operational, it will employ 35-40 full-time roles. With $680 million in local procurement for services, labour, and materials, MacIntyre is delivering significant economic benefits for Queensland.

Clarke Creek Wind Farm (PPA) – 346.5 MW

Expected Operational Date: 2025

Located in Central Queensland, the Clarke Creek Wind Farm is a major renewable project under construction by Squadron Energy. The first stage of the wind farm includes 100 turbines and will generate 450 MW of electricity. With $110 million in regional investment and 350 direct jobs created, Clarke Creek is contributing both clean energy and economic growth to Central Queensland.

Tarong Battery Energy Storage System (100% Equity) – 300 MW / 600 MWh

Expected Operational Date: June 2025

The Tarong Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a key part of Stanwell’s strategy to transform the Tarong Power Station precinct into a Clean Energy Hub. Located in Southern Queensland, the BESS will store and discharge 300 MW of energy with a two-hour duration (600 MWh), supporting grid stability and providing firmed renewable energy to the NEM. Equipped with 164 Tesla Megapack 2XL units, the Tarong BESS will be capable of powering the equivalent of 101,000 homes. In April 2024, the final 38-tonne megapack for our Tarong battery energy storage system (BESS) was hoisted into place, marking a major milestone for the project.  The megapacks are being installed by Yurika, a Queensland Government-owned company which is being supported by a number of local contractors, with up to 80 employees on-site during the construction period. Up to six permanent roles are expected to follow once the BESS is operational.  The Tarong BESS marks a significant investment in Queensland’s renewable energy infrastructure, and is expected to be fully operational by mid-2025.

Wambo Wind Farm (50% PPA, 50% Equity) – 506.2 MW

Expected Operational Date: Stage 1 in Late 2025, Stage 2 in 2026

Stanwell’s investment in the Wambo Wind Farm, a joint venture with Cubico Sustainable Investments, will add more than 500 MW of clean energy to Queensland’s energy system. Located in the Western Downs region, Wambo will consist of 83 wind turbines, powering approximately 312,000 homes once fully operational in 2026. Stanwell has now secured 50 per cent equity in both stages of the project, with a PPA covering the remaining generation. The wind farm will create up to 200 construction jobs and 8-9 operational roles. In 2023/24, the Wambo Wind Farm was included as an asset in Queensland Treasury Corporation’s Green Bond Program. These bonds enable investors to support Queensland’s pathway to a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy.

Mount Hopeful Wind Farm (PPA) – 214.5 MW

Expected Operational Date: 2026

Developed by Neoen Australia, the Mount Hopeful Wind Farm in Central Queensland is expected to have a capacity of 350 MW when it becomes operational in 2026. With around 60 wind turbines, the project – which stretches across the municipal boundaries of Rockhampton and the Banana region – will take advantage of some of Queensland’s best wind resources to deliver affordable and clean electricity. 

Aldoga Solar Farm (PPA) – 380 MW

Expected Operational Date: Mid-2026

ACCIONA Energía’s Aldoga Solar Farm is currently under construction near Gladstone. This solar farm will power Stanwell’s Central Queensland Hydrogen Project (CQ-H2), supplying the renewable energy needed to produce clean hydrogen. With 820,000 solar panels set to be installed across the site, Aldoga will employ 350 workers during construction, with another 10 full-time operational roles. 

Kidston Wind Farm Stage 3 (PPA) – 129 MW

Expected Operational Date: 2027

In December 2023, Stanwell secured a 15-year PPA for 50 per cent of the Kidston Wind Farm Stage 3 project, developed by Genex Power. Located in Far North Queensland, the wind farm will have a total capacity of 258 MW. Kidston Stage 3 will leverage existing infrastructure from the Kidston Pumped Hydro Project, enabling efficient integration into the grid.

Gawara Baya Wind Farm (PPA) – 163.2 MW

Expected Operational Date: 2027

Located 65 km southwest of Ingham, this Windlab project is expected to generate enough clean electricity to power up to 240,000 homes.  In North Queensland, stronger winds typically occur in the afternoon and evening. This allows North Queensland’s wind farms to generate power when wind generation is low elsewhere, and as solar energy begins to taper off. By providing reliable, consistent energy during these critical periods, North Queensland’s wind resources are expected to play a vital role in Queensland’s renewable supply.

Bulli Creek Solar Farm Stage 1 (PPA) – 337.5 MW

Expected Operational Date: 2027

Stanwell has signed a 15-year PPA with Genex for up to 550 MW of capacity from Bulli Creek Solar Farm Stage 1, which is set to become the largest grid-connected solar farm in Australia once operational. Located in Central Queensland, the multi-stage Bulli Creek Clean Energy Park is expected to eventually include up to 2 GW of solar and large-scale battery storage.  A Final Investment Decision is expected in early 2025, with construction on the solar farm to follow. Construction is expected to create up to 800 jobs, with a further 20 operational jobs to follow. 

Tarong West Wind Farm (100% Equity) – 436.5 MW

Expected Operational Date: 2027

Tarong West Wind Farm, located in South Burnett, is Stanwell’s largest wholly owned renewable energy project. With 97 turbines, the wind farm is expected to generate 436.5 MW of clean energy, enough to power 230,000 homes. The project received development approval in July 2024, and is expected to reach a Final Investment Decision in the first half of 2025. Backed by $776.1 million in funding from the Queensland Government, the project will create approximately 200 construction jobs and 15 ongoing operational roles if progressed. 

South Pine Supernode Battery Energy Storage System Stage 3 (PPA) – 250 MW

Expected Operational Date: 2027

Located in Brendale, just north of Brisbane, the South Pine Supernode Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is being developed by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners. It will be strategically situated at the central node of the Queensland electricity transmission network, where 80 per cent of the state's electricity flows through daily.

Stanwell Battery Energy Storage System (100% Equity) – 300 MW / 1,200 MWh

Expected Operational Date: May 2027

Stanwell’s flagship battery project, the Stanwell Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), is the largest committed battery project in Queensland. The Stanwell BESS will support grid stability and store enough clean energy to power 203,000 homes. Located near Rockhampton, the BESS will play a crucial role in the transformation of the Stanwell Power Station into a Clean Energy Hub. In 2023/24, the Queensland Government committed $448.2 million from the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund towards doubling the size of the project to 300 MW / 1,200 MWh, giving it a four-hour duration.  The state-of-the-art project will consist of 324 Tesla Megapack 2XL units and create 80 construction jobs. Once operational in mid-2027, it will create six ongoing jobs, and serve as a cornerstone of Stanwell’s clean energy future.

Central Queensland Hydrogen Project (CQ-H2) – 720 MW (Initial Phase), 2,880 MW (Ultimate Phase)

Expected Operational Date: 2029 (Initial Phase), 2031 (Ultimate Phase)

The Central Queensland Hydrogen Project (CQ-H2) is a global-scale renewable hydrogen project being developed near Gladstone in Central Queensland.  Stanwell is developing CQ-H2 in partnership with global partners. The project involves: 

• A hydrogen production facility: Located in Aldoga near Gladstone, this facility will use electrolysis to produce clean, green hydrogen. 

• A hydrogen gas pipeline: A dedicated pipeline will transport the hydrogen to Gladstone Port. 

• Hydrogen liquefaction and ship loading facilities: Hydrogen will be liquefied for export to international markets, particularly Japan and Singapore, from Gladstone Port. 

• Ammonia production: Hydrogen will also supply an ammonia production facility at Gladstone Port. 

CQ-H2 could become the largest renewable hydrogen project in Queensland, eventually scaling up to produce 800 tonnes per day of clean, green hydrogen by the early 2030s.

Cressbrook Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project – 400 MW / 4 GWh

Expected Operational Date: Mid-2033

Stanwell is set to acquire the Cressbrook Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project, in a joint venture with an established global pumped hydro operator. Located at Lake Cressbrook, 45 km northeast of Toowoomba, the project will generate 400 MW of clean energy for up to 10 hours, providing critical storage capacity to firm Queensland’s renewable energy generation. With 350 construction jobs and 13 permanent operational roles, Cressbrook will bring significant economic benefits to the region. This project will also support the ongoing development of Stanwell’s Tarong Clean Energy Hub.

Leading the charge 

Stanwell’s expanding portfolio of renewable energy and storage projects is playing a vital role in driving Queensland’s clean energy transformation. By advancing large-scale wind, solar, battery, pumped hydro and hydrogen initiatives, Stanwell is helping to meet the state's ambitious emissions reduction goals while fostering economic growth and job creation, particularly in regional areas. 

Want to help us provide the spark for a bright future? If you’re a developer or energy organisation looking for a strategic partnership in Queensland, please contact our Business Partnerships team for an in-confidence discussion.