Federal Clearance for Major Energy Project

The Australian government has granted environmental approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act for a major clean energy project in Queensland. The project which Wooderson Solar Development Co leads and RES Australia and Energy Estate support received a "not a controlled action" decision which allows it to proceed without completing a federal environmental assessment.

Project Scope and Size

The initiative includes:

• A 450 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant
• A 3,600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) which can store and supply electricity for eight hours

 

• The project includes transmission facilities which will establish grid connections.

The combination of solar energy generation and extensive battery storage systems enables Queensland's power grid to maintain reliability while adding renewable energy sources.

Location and Development Partners

The facility will be located near Gladstone in Central Queensland, which is situated 40 kilometers southwest of the regional center and 540 kilometers north of Brisbane. Central Queensland Power (CQP) which develops the project operates as a joint venture between RES Australia and Energy Estate.

RES Australia operates as a worldwide renewable energy business which has accumulated more than 30 years of experience in developing solar and wind and storage facilities. Energy Estate develops extensive renewable energy projects and establishes energy centers for various regions.

Timeline and Impact

The construction work cannot proceed because the project needs additional state approvals after receiving its federal environmental clearance. Current project plans estimate:

• Construction start: First quarter of 2028

 

• Operations begin: First quarter of 2031

 

The site will operate 980000 solar panels which will generate sufficient electricity to supply power for approximately 235000 residential buildings. The project will decrease carbon emissions through its replacement of fossil fuels while it assists Queensland in achieving its renewable energy goals which include the commitments established by the Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025 and the net zero target set for 2050.

Economic and Regional Benefits

The project will generate new investment and create employment opportunities throughout the Gladstone region by providing both construction jobs and long-term operational work. The storage system will enhance grid stability which will assist industrial and residential customers while supporting Australia's transition to clean energy.