Ireland’s DP Energy has unveiled plans for a 1.4GW wind farm and 2,000MWh battery to be built south-east of Julia Creek in North Queensland.
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The proposed Windy Plains Renewable Energy Park will feature approximately 197 wind turbines, each with a generating capacity of around 7MW, and a co-located 500MW/2,000MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).
One or more onsite substations will collect power generated from the turbines and export it to the planned CopperString 330kV transmission line via a switch station.
The project has recently completed the feasibility stage and has progressed to the assessment, consultation, and design phase, which will involve detailed environmental, planning, and technical assessments to better understand the site and surrounding area.
DP Energy will soon be undertaking community and stakeholder consultation, helping to shape the project design and guide the development of a Community Benefit Agreement.
As the project progresses, detailed field surveys and community consultation will inform the design. Approvals from both the Queensland Government and Commonwealth regulators will be pursued.
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It is planned to operate for approximately 30 years, after which the turbines and associated infrastructure could be removed and the land reinstated or upgraded with new equipment.
