QUEENSLAND’S publicly-owned renewable energy company has signed up to take 70 percent of the power to be generated by a $450 wind farm being built in the state’s Western Downs region.
Energy Minister Mick de Brenni today announced government energy generator CleanCo had signed an agreement to take power from the 180MW Dulacca Renewable Energy Project.
The Caller has been told the cost of the deal between owners Octopus Australia and Renewable Energy Systems (RES) was “commercial in confidence”.
The construction phase of the project will generate about 150 jobs and while operation will employ about 35 people.
“CleanCo was established by the Palaszczuk Government with a mandate to bring 1,400MW of new renewable energy into the market and really drive the energy transformation through investment in renewable energy projects,” Mr De Brenni said.
“CleanCo has committed take 70 percent or 126MW from the Dulacca Wind Farm, adding to the impressive 980MW of renewable energy CleanCo has already committed to bring to market over the next three years, bringing the total to more than 1 gigawatt (GW).
“When operational, this Dulacca Wind Farm will be able to power more than 120,000 Queensland homes.”
Octopus Australia is one of the largest owners of renewable energy projects in Australia and RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company.
leanCo CEO Dr Maia Schweizer said the wind energy generated by the Dulacca Renewable Energy Project would complement CleanCo’s growing portfolio of renewable energy generation.
“CleanCo’s generation portfolio enables us to offer uniquely low-emissions energy to our large commercial and industrial customers,” Dr Schweizer said.
“Power Purchase Agreements like this one mean we can offer competitively priced energy contracts supported by renewables and our fleet of low-emissions firming generation, guaranteeing supply day and night.
“The benefits of these agreements are far-reaching – our customers meet their sustainability targets at a competitive cost, helping them to remain relevant in a decarbonising world, and in turn we help Queensland meet our State emissions targets.”
RES’ CEO in Australia Matt Rebbeck said the company was proud to work together with CleanCo on this world-class project with the Power Purchase Agreement being the cornerstone that enables the project helping to accelerate the transformation to a zero-carbon future.
“As well as co-existing alongside the agricultural use of the land, the project will contribute towards the Queensland Government’s target of 50% renewables by 2030,” Mr Rebbeck said.
“The Dulacca Renewable Energy Project will be constructed over a two-year period beginning this year and will bring more than $400 million in regional economic activity and a range of ongoing economic and social benefits.
“In addition, a community fund of $1.25m will provide funding opportunities for local projects, educational and environmental initiatives, community groups and organisations within the communities surrounding the project.”
450$ isn’t that much!