Wedoany.com Report-Jun 24, The Queensland Government has granted state planning approval for RWE’s 1-gigawatt (GW) Theodore wind farm, a significant renewable energy project in Australia. The onshore wind farm, located near Theodore in the Banana Shire, central Queensland, will produce enough electricity to power approximately 500,000 homes in the region.

Situated 22 kilometers east of Theodore and 50 kilometers southwest of Biloela, the project received Development Application approval from Queensland’s State Assessment and Referral Agency. The wind farm will feature up to 170 turbines and include a battery energy storage system to enhance energy reliability.

Daniel Belton, Chief Executive of RWE Renewables Australia, stated: “RWE is thrilled to secure state planning approval for the Theodore Wind Farm, a 1-gigawatt project with strong community benefits, that would support Queensland’s energy supply. RWE has always understood that a key to successfully delivering projects is putting community first, and in line with this philosophy we have developed strong relationships with the community and other stakeholders at Theodore over the past three years. We appreciate the Queensland Government’s rigorous approach to DA assessment, and have proactively worked with the government to ensure we delivered best practice community engagement, which has supported the achievement of our DA. As we look ahead to commencing construction in 2026, we look forward to continuing to work with Powerlink and the Queensland Government on the infrastructure needed to make this project a success. We remain committed to collaborating with the community, government, traditional owners and other stakeholders to bring this project to life.”

The Theodore wind farm is projected to contribute $500 million to the local and Queensland economy during its construction phase. Additionally, a community benefit fund of at least $500,000 annually, totaling approximately $17.5 million over the project’s operational life, will support local initiatives once construction begins. The construction process, expected to span up to four years, will employ up to 500 workers during peak periods.

RWE is in ongoing discussions with Stanwell regarding an offtake agreement for the Theodore project, building on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2023. The project now advances to the federal level, undergoing review under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, and has been included on Australia’s National Renewable Energy Priority List.