Coopers Gap wind farm closer to realisation

AGL Energy’s proposed Coopers Gap wind farm near Kingaroy in Queensland is one step closer to receiving a green light, with the project now moving to the Environmental Impact Statement phase.

It would be the largest wind farm in Queensland with a proposed capacity of up to 350MW

The Office of the Coordinator General (OCG) has declaring the proposed wind farm a ‘Coordinated Project’ under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971.

Executive general manager group operations Doug Jackson said the announcement is a significant step forward in progressing the project, which could generate up to 350 jobs at the peak of construction.

“The Coopers Gap Wind Farm remains AGL’s foremost renewable energy project in Queensland with a high quality wind resource and one of the highest average wind speeds in the state,” he said.

“While there is still a long way to go before a final decision can be made on whether the project proceeds to construction, we look forward to working with local government and the community along with other government agencies to deliver the best possible outcome for the region and for Queensland.”

The project is expected to be financed through AGL’s Powering Australian Renewables Fund, currently being established.

According to the OCG, the wind farm will require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be prepared and the terms of reference, which will inform the EIS, will be placed on public exhibition in the coming weeks. During this time the general public and government agencies have the opportunity to comment on and make submissions around what they believe should be considered within the EIS.

The Coopers Gap Wind Farm is expected to produce approximately 1100GWh of renewable energy, powering more than 190,000 average Australian homes. The renewable energy produced would reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 860,000 tonnes annually, which is the equivalent of taking more than 250,000 cars off the road each year.

 

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