Dr Andrew Forrest AO has announced a $3 billion renewable energy precinct in Central Queensland that will cut electricity bills for residents and businesses, create regional jobs, and strengthen local economies across the state.
Under the plan unveiled by Dr Forrest, Squadron Energy – the energy division of Tattarang – has purchased Stage One and Two of the Clarke Creek wind, solar and battery farm to create “the largest renewable energy precinct in the southern hemisphere”.
The project could generate enough wind, solar, and battery energy to power over 660,000 homes, or 40% of Queensland households, while also exporting lower-cost electricity to the National Electricity Market.
It will directly cut electricity bills for millions of Queensland residents and businesses due to its combination of solar, wind, and battery technologies.
Dr Andrew Forrest described the announcement as “a landmark moment for Australia’s green energy future”.
“We have commenced construction of what will be the largest renewable energy precinct in the southern hemisphere – but I am delighted to say that we will not hold this record for long, with other renewable energy projects under development that will surpass our project in scale. We intend to bring on other projects which will be larger than today’s record,” Dr Forrest said.
“We are investing in Clarke Creek not only to harness the renewable power of the wind and sun to energise our homes, our factories and our cities, but as a critical step towards breaking our reliance on fossil fuels.
“Climate change is the single greatest threat to our existence, and we must meet this global challenge with tenacity and speed. This announcement is a signal that Australia is prepared to act with purpose to realise our 100 per cent, green, renewable, zero-emissions energy future.”
The Clarke Creek wind, solar and battery farm is located 150 km northwest of Rockhampton and 150km south of Mackay in the Isaac Shire and Livingstone Shire.
Squadron Energy, which has all necessary state and federal approvals for Clarke Creek already in place, already issued contracts to commence construction of Stage One, which is anticipated to be fully operational in 2024.
“Construction of Stage One will create approximately 350 jobs and inject well over $100 million into the local and regional economy during a three-year construction period,” the company said in a statement.
“Specific career development and retraining programs will be created for employees across Queensland’s coal power stations, creating new job opportunities for regional communities from Australia’s growing green energy economy.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said theprecinct’ss grid-scale generation capability will displace 2.7 million tonnes of carbon each year and has strong alignment with the Queensland government’s integrated energy plan for the state.
“Delivering such a huge renewable energy boost takes Queensland closer to achieving our targets of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050,” the Premier concluded.
