Overview
The Western Downs Green Power Hub is a large renewable energy project consisting of a 460 MWp solar farm and a 845 MW / 2,300 MWh big battery.
It is currently the largest operating solar farm in Australia. The big battery is located next to the solar farm and is currently under construction.
Since 2023, the project has been sharing benefits with communities in and around Chinchilla, Dalby, Miles, Tara and surrounding areas. Watch this video to learn about our annual Community Benefit Fund and how its helping us be a responsible, long-term neighbour.
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Location
The project is located 22km south-east of Chinchilla in the Western Downs Region, in close proximity to a transmission line and less than 6kms from Queensland Powerlink’s Western Downs Sub-station.
Benefits
FOR LOCAL FARMERS
Significant income paid to local land owners plus up to 14 ongoing jobs
For your community
Up to $100,000 per year
funding for local community initiatives and projects
Project Lifecycle
1
Site Selection
We undertake research & early negotiations with landowners for options to lease or purchase sites that show potential for hosting renewable energy assets.
2
Feasibility
We create preliminary designs & initiate feasibility studies to identify site constraints. We commence early engagement with Traditional Owners, neighbours, local council and the community. We hold community information sessions locally.
3
Planning & Approvals
Extensive studies & surveys are undertaken to create detailed project design before submitting a Development Application (DA) to the Queensland Government. Ongoing community and governmental consultations help refine project plans. We initiate grid connection enquiries.
4
Pre-Construction
If the DA is approved, we conduct a procurement process to appoint a construction contractor. Grid connection agreements & energy contracts get finalised, and our focus shifts to securing financing from lenders. A networking session is held for local jobseekers, suppliers & businesses to discuss upcoming opportunities.
5
Construction
The site mobilises, local suppliers & jobseekers are appointed, and civil, mechanical & electrical works commence. The project becomes a reality as the construction team builds and commissions the asset.
- We Are Here
6
Operations
We maintain the asset for at least 25 years to ensure strong energy generation & revenue optimisation. Our community benefit-sharing program begins contributing to local initiatives.
- We Are Here
7
Decommissioning or Site Renewal
We decide on whether to continue operations or decommission the site. New construction works or site rehabilitation is undertaken.
Having the largest solar project in the southern hemisphere here is something we’re super proud of.
Robyn Haig
News
With a balanced portfolio of wind, solar and big battery projects, we are Australia’s largest 100% renewables company.
We own and operate many of our projects for the long-term and are committed to sharing the benefits with surrounding communities as a responsible neighbour. Our dedication to the community and environment has made us a ‘developer of choice’ and a pioneer in the industry.
Since 2012, we have contributed over 4.5 GW of renewable energy & storage assets and invested over $7 billion towards Australia’s energy transition.