Boulder Creek Wind Farm project reaches financial close, construction to begin in November

Aula Energy and CS Energy have announced that construction of the Boulder Creek Wind Farm in Queensland will commence in November 2024, following the successful financial close of the approximately $740 million project.

Located 40km south-west of Rockhampton, the 228MW wind farm is set to become a significant contributor to Queensland’s renewable energy landscape.

The Boulder Creek Wind Farm will consist of 38 GE Vernova wind turbines, capable of generating enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 85,000 homes when it becomes operational in 2027.

The project is expected to provide an economic boost to the region by supporting up to 250 jobs during the construction phase.

CS Energy, a state-owned corporation, has secured a 50 per cent stake in the project, forming a joint venture with Aula Energy.

As part of this partnership, CS Energy has committed to purchasing 100 per cent of the wind farm’s output for 20 years through a power purchase agreement.

Chad Hymas, CEO of Aula Energy, expressed enthusiasm about reaching this crucial stage in the project’s development, stating: “This milestone is a strong endorsement of our team’s capability, resilience, and expertise, and sets us firmly on the path to making a difference in the sector.”

The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 379,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent each year, comparable to removing over 130,000 petrol cars from the road.

As part of its commitment to the local community, the project will establish a Community Benefit Fund to support local initiatives with environmental, social, and net-zero objectives.

The wind farm will be delivered in collaboration with four major project partners: GE Vernova, DT Infrastructure, Powerlink Queensland, and RES.

Preparatory works are planned to commence in the coming months, with site activity expected to intensify in Q1 2025.

The Boulder Creek Wind Farm represents a significant step towards Queensland’s ambitious goal of generating 70 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2032.

With all necessary federal and state government approvals secured, along with agreements with host landholders and Traditional Owners, the project is well-positioned to contribute to Australia’s clean energy future.