China’s Goldwind has tied up a 348MW power deal for the first stage of what’s set to be one of Australia’s largest wind farms.

The Queensland government and state-owned energy group Stanwell Corporation signed up for the output from the 450MW first phase of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm, which is eventually slated to reach 800MW.

Clarke Creek is also due to include up to 400MW of solar power and battery storage, making it one of a clutch of ambitious hybrid plants underway in Australia.

Goldwind said in 2018 that the project would cost more than A$1.5bn ($1.07bn) to build.

“The power purchase agreement is very important to enable engagement with investors and banks to progress to the construction phase which is targeted to commence in mid-2021.” said John Titchen, managing director of Goldwind Australia, which is developing the project with partner Lacour Energy.

Lacour said: “The project represents an excellent combination of strong, predominantly night-time wind to complement Queensland solar production.

“The project’s location is on the backbone of Powerlink’s high voltage transmission network and the project scale will make a large contribution to Queensland’s renewable energy target.”

The first phase will use 101 turbines from the Chinese wind giant, which has seen success in the Australian market at Clarke Creek, the 527MW Stockyard Hill and earlier projects.

Wind

Goldwind ties-up power deal for $1bn Australian renewables project