- Construction on the Aldoga Solar Farm will commence in early 2024
- The 380MW project will create 350 jobs during construction and 10 operational jobs
- $150 million will be injected back into local companies and suppliers
Construction is expected to begin on the Aldoga Solar Farm early 2024 approximately 20km north-west of Gladstone on the Central Queensland coast.
The project was facilitated by Economic Development Queensland leasing land as part of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to increase renewable energy supply, generate jobs and support economic growth.
Falling within the Central Queensland Renewable Energy Zone, the Aldoga Solar Farm will draw on the strengths of the region's key industries including agriculture, construction, minerals processing and manufacturing.
Once built 100% of the power generated from Aldoga will be supplied to Stanwell Corporation and go towards the Central Queensland Hydrogen Project (CQ-H2).
Quotes attributable to Deputy-Premier Steven Miles:
"Queensland is powering toward our ambitious target of 70% renewable energy by 2032, and projects like the Aldoga Solar Farm are major contributors to this growing success," Mr Miles said.
"The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan sets a path to transform the power system over the next 15 years with over $60 billion of estimated capital projects.
"We know there is huge opportunity by investing in renewable energy, and already this is being felt with 360 jobs to be created on this project alone."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni: "This project means $150 m injected into the local economy and 350 construction jobs. "This demonstrates that the manufacturing of clean energy and green hydrogen spells good jobs for regional Queensland.
"Construction commencement by Acciona Energia of the Aldoga solar farm demonstrates that Queensland is ready to help the nation deliver on the supercharged Capacity Investment Scheme announced by Minister Chris Bowen just last week."
Quotes attributable to Member for Gladstone and Regional Development and Manufacturing Minister, Glenn Butcher:
"This project combines two of my favourite things – energy and jobs.
"This demonstrates the important role Gladstone plays in driving the renewable sector in Queensland.
"The solar farm will increase renewable energy supply, generate jobs and support economic growth in Central Queensland for years to come."
Quotes attributable to ACCIONA Energia Managing Director Brett Wickham: "This project is ideally located near Gladstone so we can draw upon the city's rich industrial and manufacturing history to build the project.
"ACCIONA Energia have been working closely with the supply chain as part of our local content strategy which will source at least $150 million in work from local companies and suppliers around Gladstone and the Sunshine State to help build the project.
"The Aldoga Solar Farm will be a catalyst for a vibrant hydrogen industry here in Gladstone and we're proud to finally be getting construction underway."
