AGL granted permit to develop 460-MW Queensland wind farm

AGL Energy has received a development permit from the Queensland Government for the construction of the 460-MW Coopers Gap wind farm located beetween Dalby and Kingaroy. 

Coopers Gap Wind Farm, located 180km north-west of Brisbane, will become a significant renewable energy project for Queensland and the largest wind farm in the state. 

The wind farm will consist of up to 115 turbines, which would produce around 1,400 GWh of renewable energy, powering more than 240,000 average Australian homes. The renewable energy produced would reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 1,100,000 tonnes annually, which is the equivalent of talking over 320,000 cars off the road.

The site will be located on 10 properties near Cooranga North between Dalby and Kingaroy on land which is predominately used for cattle grazing and other farming activities. The wind farm is planned to be connected to a new Powerlink substation along the new Western Downs to Halys 275kV transmission line built by Powerlink.

AGL’s Coopers Gap Wind Farm Project Manager, Evan Carless, said it is hoped the wind farm will be the next greenfield renewable development offered to the Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF).

The PARF is a partnership between AGL, QIC and Future Fund, which is targeting the development of approximately 1,000 MW of large-scale renewable energy projects.These projects will help meet Federal Government targets and spur investment and development in support of Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

AGL will provide AUD200 million (US$149 million) in cornerstone equity and QIC, on behalf of its managed clients including the Future Fund, will provide AUD800 million (US$597 million) in equity funding to the fund.

Last month we reported that AGL started construction works on the 200 MW Silverton wind farm near Broken Hill.