Australia’s largest wind farm is set to begin construction after Queensland Energy Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham, officially turns the first sod on the Powering Australian Renewables Fund’s (PARF) $850 million Coopers Gap Wind Farm project today.

AGL’s General Manager Power Development, Dave Johnson, said up to 200 jobs would be created during the peak of construction of the project, which was developed by AGL and achieved a final investment decision in August 2017.

“It is great to have Minister Lynham on hand today in the heart of the Coopers Gap community, to celebrate the benefits of this momentous project,” Mr Johnson said.

“AGL, together with PARF, is excited about the works and we will be working closely with the GE – Catcon consortium to ensure a successful project outcome for all stakeholders.

“The wind farm will employ up to 20 people once operational which means it will continue to deliver ongoing employment benefits in the local community after the construction phase.

“The gathering today for the sod turn is an important milestone after an extensive period of planning and development.”

The 453 megawatt (MW) Coopers Gap Wind Farm, which is located approximately 250 km west of Brisbane, will produce approximately 1,510,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy annually. This is sufficient to power more than 260,000 average Australian homes when fully operational in mid-2019.

The renewable energy produced from the wind farm’s 123 turbines will also reduce CO₂ emissions by 1,180,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of taking 340,000 cars off the road.

PARF is aiming to develop approximately 1,000 MW of large-scale renewable energy projects to be operated and managed by AGL. It is a partnership between AGL (20 percent) and QIC (80 percent, on behalf of clients the Future Fund and the QIC Global Infrastructure Fund).

PARF’s scope represents 20 percent of the estimated 5,000 MW of new renewable generation capacity required by 2020 to meet the Federal Government’s Renewable Energy Target.

About AGL
AGL is committed to helping shape a sustainable energy future for Australia. We operate the country’s largest electricity generation portfolio, we’re its largest ASX-listed investor in renewable energy, and we have 3.6 million customer accounts. Proudly Australian, with more than 180 years of experience, we have a responsibility to provide sustainable, secure and affordable energy for our customers. Our aim is to prosper in a carbon-constrained world and build customer advocacy as our industry transforms. That’s why we have committed to exiting our coal-fired generation by 2050 and why we will continue to develop innovative solutions for our customers.