Coopers Gap Wind Farm began generating electricity today, with the first two turbines feeding energy into the National Electricity Market.

The $850 million project involves 123 wind turbines in total, which are equipped with blades that are up to 67 metres long.

AGL CEO, Brett Redman, said achieving first generation for a project this size involves an enormous effort by the many teams who have worked on the wind farm.

“The size and scale of a project like this is extraordinary, and today’s milestone is thanks to the hard work of so many people,” Mr Redman said.

“This is a significant project for AGL and the timing of bringing new generation into the grid is crucial for all energy users.

“It’s another great example of our commitment to investing in new generation to deliver affordable and reliable power for customers.

“We appreciate the support we have received from Government agencies in Queensland to navigate the logistic issues experienced during construction,” Mr Redman said.

AGL General Manager of Gas and Renewables Operations, Colin Mills, said each turbine has a tip height of up to 180 metres, while a rotor diameter of up to 137 metres.

“Throughout the construction process, around $56 million has been spent on local businesses and services providers,” Mr Mills said.

“The Coopers Gap Wind Farm, north-west of Brisbane, has a total capacity of 453 MW which makes it the largest wind farm by MW capacity currently operating in Australia.

“The project is owned and constructed by the Powering Australian Renewables Fund, a landmark financing initiative created by AGL and QIC. The $2-3 billion fund aims to develop and own approximately 1,000 MW in large-scale renewable generation projects.

“I’d like to thank PARF for its work in this achievement.

“I’d also like to recognise the efforts of the Australian Energy Market Operator and Powerlink as project partners who helped us get here, along with the support of the local community and local councils,” Mr Mills said.

About Coopers Gap

The second greenfield project developed by the Powering Australian Renewables Fund (PARF), the Coopers Gap Wind Farm has a capacity of 453 MW and produce around 1,510,000 MWh of renewable energy – powering approximately 264,000 average Australian homes.

Location

Coopers Gap Wind Farm is 250 km north-west of Brisbane near Cooranga North, between Dalby and Kingaroy. The site is located on land that’s mainly used for cattle grazing and other farming activities.

It will connect to a new Powerlink substation along the Western Downs to Halys 275 kV transmission line built by Powerlink.

About the Powering Australian Renewables Fund

PARF is an innovative investment initiative designed to unlock investment in large scale renewable energy, which was established by AGL and QIC on behalf of its clients the Future Fund and those invested in the QIC Global Infrastructure Fund.

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.