The Diplomat
Australia’s environmental authorities have approved the construction of the MacIntyre wind farm, the largest project of this nature of the Spanish company Acciona Energy in the country.
Following the granting of the authorization, construction could begin in the second quarter of 2022, the company and the Spain-Australia Council Foundation said. The project, which will be 70% owned by Acciona Energía and 30% by UK-based Ark Energy, marks an important milestone in the Australian region of Queensland’s ambition to achieve the 50% renewable energy target by 2030.
The plant will be located on Queensland’s Southern Downs, 60 kilometers west of Warwick. With 162 wind turbines, the farm will be built and operated by Acciona Energy. The turbines at the MacIntyre wind farm will generate 923MW of renewable electricity per year, offsetting 2.6 million tons of CO2 each year.
Acciona Energy CEO Brett Wickham said, “MacIntyre will demonstrate that large-scale renewable energy projects are not only efficient, but also effective in delivering reliable, clean electricity to the grid.”
The project will involve an investment of A$1.7 billion in Queensland and will create more than 350 jobs during the construction and operation phases. When completed, it will supply power to meet the energy needs of 620,000 homes.
The MacIntyre wind farm will be built with a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that will ensure environmental impacts are managed in accordance with state and federal requirements, using best practice. The EMP establishes clear commitments to minimize the environmental footprint of the project with the least possible impact on local flora and fauna.
As part of Acciona Energía’s Build, Own and Operate business model, generous community grants and scholarships are also offered to local residents as part of the company’s community giving program.
