Neoen has been given the go-ahead to build a ‘green power hub’ near Cairns in Far North Queensland.
The Queensland Government announced it had given development approval for the 29-turbine wind project located at Kaban, 80km southwest of Cairns.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the $300 million project would bring substantial investment to the region and is expected to create around 150 jobs during construction.
“The proposed development at Kaban is for a wind farm for up to 29 turbines and additional infrastructure, including a substation and battery storage facility,” Mr Dick said.
“This means jobs for the region in the 12-month estimated construction period and more clean energy for the region to tap into.
“The green power hub, which will incorporate the wind farm, is planned to operate for at least 30 years and generate enough power to supply 57,000 homes.”
Minister Dick said each turbine would have an electrical output of up to 5.5 megawatts (MW) and a maximum height of 240m.
It was expected the total generation capacity would be up to 160MW.
“Neoen worked closely with the department to assess acoustic impacts on nearby houses, impacts on fauna, native vegetation clearing and traffic impacts,” Mr Dick said.
“Conditions are recommended to be imposed on the decision that will mitigate and manage acoustic, flora and fauna and traffic impacts.”
Minister for Energy Dr Anthony Lynham said the new wind farm would complement more than two dozen large-scale projects currently committed or under construction throughout Queensland, including the recently announced $200 million Lakeland wind farm, also in the Far North.
“When complete, these projects will more than double Queensland’s renewable energy output and produce enough electricity to power close to one million homes,” Dr Lynham said
“Our 50 per cent renewable energy generation target by 2030 has boosted the level of renewable energy investment, bringing significant projects to regions right across the state.
“This is yet another project to join our $4.3 billion pipeline of renewable energy projects underway or financially committed.”
