50 down, 50 to go!

Construction is powering ahead at Clarke Creek Wind Farm in Central Queensland where half of its wind turbines have now been installed.

Australian renewable energy company Squadron Energy and government owned energy generator Stanwell marked the major milestone today with a tour of the site 150 kilometres north-west of Rockhampton.

When it’s complete, 100 turbines more than two hundred metres high will produce enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 330,000 Queensland homes.

Stanwell signed a 15-year deal in August 2020 to purchase more than seventy-five per cent of the clean energy that the 450MW Clarke Creek Wind Farm will produce to help our customers, including Brisbane Airport Corporation and Anglo American, achieve their sustainability objectives.

The project is creating more than 350 jobs during construction and is expected to inject around $110 million into the local economy.

Clarke Creek Wind Farm is expected to be operational in 2025.

Quotes attributable to Stanwell CEO, Michael O’Rourke

“After helping to turn the sod, kicking off construction two years ago, it’s great to be back at Clarke Creek Wind Farm to celebrate this milestone moment with Squadron Energy.

“Once operational and over the next 15 years, Stanwell will purchase more than 75 per cent of the clean energy generated from the first stage of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm to provide to our customers.

“This agreement ensures Stanwell continues to build our renewable generation portfolio as we renew our energy portfolio.

“Stanwell has now secured more than 4 GW of renewable energy generation and firming capacity projects in development, under construction or operational. This is significant progress on the way to our target of 9 to 10 GW of renewable energy generation and 5 GW of firming by 2035.

“I’d like to congratulate all those involved with Clarke Creek Wind Farm on recognising this major milestone.”

Quotes attributable to Squadron Energy CEO, Rob Wheals

“There are more than 15 Queensland businesses that are actively contributing to this project, showcasing the collaborative effort that is driving Queensland’s energy transition,” Mr Wheals said.

“I’d like to thank the BKY Traditional Custodians, our delivery partners including Goldwind, our landowners, the onsite team and the local community – all who have contributed to make this milestone a reality.”

Quotes attributable to Brisbane Airport CEO, Gert-Jan de Graaff

"As the first customer to sign onto Stanwell’s renewable energy pipeline, we’re excited for the completion of this project, which will allow our passengers to travel through a Brisbane Airport powered by 100% renewables-backed electricity.

"This is another step toward a lower-emissions future and complements our growing on-site solar power production."