$776m Wind Farm Project Unveiled

September 26, 2022

The State Government-owned Stanwell Corporation will become the owner of a huge wind farm at Ironpot if the project gets the green light.

The proposed 150-turbine Tarong West project –  formerly known as Iron Leaf – has been allocated $776 million from the $2 billion Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund.

This fund allows government-owned energy corporations to increase their ownership of commercial renewable energy and hydrogen projects, as well as supporting infrastructure, including in partnership with the private sector.

Final approval for Tarong West to go ahead is not expected until 2024.

If given the green light, Tarong West is expected to create about 200 jobs during the construction phase and 15 ongoing jobs once completed.

The 500MW wind farm would become operational in 2026 and produce enough electricity to power up to 230,000 homes.

It would be the largest publicly owned wind farm project in Australia.

Tarong West would be built in a strategic partnership with global renewable energy giant RES.

Initial public consultation sessions about the Iron Leaf wind farm were held in the South Burnett in May.

RES Australia-based CEO Matt Rebbeck said the company was excited about the prospect of helping Queensland build more clean energy projects.

“Our vision is a future where everyone has access to affordable zero-carbon energy,” he said.

Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said the commitment marked a significant milestone for the publicly owned corporation.

“The Tarong West Wind Farm project supports decarbonisation of our existing portfolio and will help us to meet our customers’ demand for renewable energy products.

“It will also provide future career development opportunities for our people.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is expected to visit the site on Monday.

• Related article: Huge Wind Farm Planned For Ironpot

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  Ironpot