AGL Energy Limited (AGL) today welcomed the approval of its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the Office of the Coordinator-General (OCG) for the proposed Coopers Gap Wind Farm in southern Queensland.

Managing Director and CEO, Andy Vesey, said this was an important step in the progression of such a significant renewable energy project for Queensland.

“Coopers Gap Wind Farm would be the largest wind farm in Queensland and will provide economic as well as environmental benefits for the local region and the state. We are looking forward to continuing the project’s development, and to working with the local community on fine-tuning the details,” said Mr Vesey. 

The OCG’s Report, which includes approval of the EIS, will now be used by the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning in its assessment of a Development Application for the project. 

It is hoped the Coopers Gap Wind Farm will be the next greenfield renewable development offered to the Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF). The PARF is a partnership between AGL, QIC and Future Fund, which is targeting the development of approximately 1,000 MW of large-scale renewable energy projects.

The Coopers Gap Wind Farm is proposed to have an approved capacity of up to 460 MW, which would produce around 1,400 GWh of renewable energy, powering more than 240,000 average Australian homes. The renewable energy produced would reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 1,100,000 tonnes annually, which is the equivalent of taking over 320,000 cars off the road.

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia’s leading integrated energy companies. It is taking action to responsibly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while providing secure and affordable energy to its customers. Drawing on over 175 years of experience, AGL serves its customers throughout eastern Australia with meeting their energy requirements, including gas, electricity, solar PV and related products and services. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, solar, landfill gas and biomass.