Australia’s largest wind farm has begun generating electricity, with AGL today announcing it remains on track for completion this financial year.

Queensland’s Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony Lynham, inspected the Coopers Gap project on the Darling Downs in Queensland with AGL General Manager Development & Construction Dave Johnson.

“We’re pleased to announce that the Coopers Gap Wind Farm is generating electricity into the National Electricity Market,” Mr Johnson said at an event to mark the start of generation.

“This is a significant milestone which is a credit to the hard work of everyone involved in this $850 million project including the owner, the Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF), and the construction consortium, GE – Catcon.

“It’s also important to acknowledge the support received from the Queensland Government, the Western Downs and South Burnett regional councils and local landowners.

“The assistance of the Australian Energy Market Operator and Powerlink Queensland was particularly valuable in completing the connection of the wind farm to the grid.

“Although the commissioning process is continuing with almost 50 of the 123 giant turbines installed, at full capacity the 453 megawatt (MW) wind farm will generate enough renewable energy to power 264,000 average Australian homes.

“Importantly, the project is creating up to 200 jobs created at the peak of construction, with a significant amount of money spent with local businesses and contractors, and up to 20 jobs once operational.

“As the largest ASX-listed investor in renewables and one of the shareholders in PARF, AGL is proud to now have more than 1,000 MW of generation capacity from wind, a figure which will exceed 1,500 MW once Cooper Gap reaches full capacity and is completed in the current financial year.”

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.