In a surprising turn of events, Ark Energy, a subsidiary of Korea Zinc Co Ltd, has opted to withdraw its proposal for the construction of a 294-MW wind farm in Queensland from the federal environmental permitting process.
The decision to withdraw the Wooroora Station Wind Farm project from the regulatory scrutiny of Australia's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) comes after months of anticipation, with the looming deadline for a decision slated for June 25. Despite receiving development consent from the Queensland government and undergoing significant redesigns aimed at mitigating environmental impacts, uncertainties surrounding the federal approval prompted Ark Energy to reassess its position.
Damian Vermey, the project lead and Ark Energy's acting general manager of development in Queensland, elucidated on the rationale behind the withdrawal, stating, “After consideration we decided to withdraw the referral. A massive effort was made over many years to evolve a proposal that we believed offered significant benefits and environmental net gains, but we acknowledge others may have a different view and struggle to trust our vision for a nature positive project.”
The Wooroora Station Wind Farm, as per the final plan, was envisaged to feature 42 turbine generators strategically situated on grazing land within the picturesque Atherton Tablelands region of north Queensland.
While this setback may appear daunting, Ark Energy remains undeterred in its pursuit of renewable energy endeavors. Just last month, the company submitted plans for an extension of its Bowmans Creek onshore wind project in New South Wales, with aspirations to bolster the site's total capacity to an impressive 455 MW, signaling a continued commitment to sustainable energy initiatives despite the challenges encountered along the way.
