Queensland could soon host one of the southern hemisphere’s largest wind projects as the federal government commits to fast-tracking its connection to the national energy grid.
The state’s Southern Downs renewable energy zone will receive a $160 million federal investment for new infrastructure to connect power generated from wind farms to the grid.
Powerlink, run by the state government, will use the funds to build and operate 65 kilometres of high-voltage overhead transmission lines and two new switching stations.
The landmark agreement between the federal and state governments will deliver more renewable energy to households and businesses in southern Queensland and the east coast, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said.
“We are delivering on our Powering Australia plan which includes a major boost to renewable energy supplies to help create jobs and reduce emissions across the nation,” he said.
“The best way to put downward pressure on energy prices is to ramp up investment in renewables, transmission and storage.”
The investment is the first account between the federal clean energy finance corporation and a Queensland government-owned company.
It is expected to help establish one of the largest wind projects in the southern hemisphere.
Connecting the project to the national electricity market will boost power reliability across the three east Australian states, Queensland Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said.
“It also presents another opportunity to build onshore capability and skill Queenslanders for renewable energy jobs of the future,” he said.
