RWE has received state planning approval from the Queensland Government for its 1-gigawatt Theodore wind farm project in central Queensland, Australia.
The onshore wind farm, located near Theodore in Banana Shire, is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 500,000 homes. The project, situated about 22 km east of Theodore and 50 km southwest of Biloela, will feature up to 170 turbines alongside a battery energy storage system.
Daniel Belton, chief executive of RWE Renewables Australia, said: “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.”
Belton added: “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 project is anticipated to contribute around A$500 million ($328 million) to the local and Queensland economy during construction, which is expected to last up to four years and require a workforce of up to 500 people at peak periods. Additionally, a community benefit fund of at least A$500,000 annually is planned, amounting to approximately A$17.5 million over the wind farm’s operational life.
RWE is also in ongoing discussions with Stanwell regarding power offtake under a memorandum of understanding signed last year. The Theodore project will now proceed to the Federal Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act assessment, having been placed on the National Renewable Energy Priority List.
