CS Energy has issued a notice to proceed for the 285MW Lotus Creek Wind Farm near St Lawrence – following the energy provider’s acquisition of the project from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).
The acquisition makes the project the first 100 per cent publicly owned wind farm to reach the construction phase under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
CIP will help deliver the 285MW project, and Vestas and Zenviron have been appointed to lead equipment supply and construction, which will commence later in 2024.
The project will feature 46 wind turbines and produce enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 150,000 homes.
It will also provide an economic boost to the region by creating approximately 400 jobs during construction and up to 15 ongoing operational roles.
The Lotus Creek Wind Farm is backed by $624.3 million from the Queensland Government’s Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund and $300 million from coal royalties announced in the 2023–24 state budget.
The project has received State and Federal government approvals and is subject to a range of best practice conditions, including securing more than 4,500ha of land in the region to be improved and protected in perpetuity as environmental offsets.
Vestas and Zenviron worked closely during the development phase with the Barada Barna People and Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala (BKY) People, the Traditional Owner groups of the project.
The project will continue to work together with the Traditional Owner groups to increase employment opportunities for members of Indigenous communities.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said, “I have a vision for the future of Queensland – a future where our industries thrive, powered by clean stored renewable energy.
“This $1.3 billion project will lead the way as our first 100 per cent publicly owned wind farm, delivered as part of our landmark Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.”
Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, said, “We know renewable energy is the cheapest form of energy, and we’re building more of it in Central Queensland to lower bills for households across the state.
“Not only will this project generate clean, cheap energy, but the construction will power clean energy jobs for hundreds of locals in Central Queensland.
“We’re putting communities at the forefront of the energy transition, and the community benefit fund will provide a huge economic boost to St Lawrence for decades to come.
“By backing Lotus Creek, we’re ensuring Queenslanders benefit from the renewable revolution with 100 per cent publicly owned assets.
“This project is a testament to our commitment to turning clean energy into sustainable jobs for generations to come.”
CS Energy CEO, Darren Busine, said, “The Lotus Creek Wind Farm will support the growing demand for renewable energy from our large commercial and industrial customers, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the region.
“The proximity of the Lotus Creek Wind Farm in the Central Queensland region makes it ideally located to provide reskilling opportunities for our employees.
“Once the project is operational, Vestas will service and maintain the wind turbines and CS Energy will carry out asset management on the balance of plant.
“CS Energy and Vestas are working collaboratively to develop potential pathways for CS Energy employees to carry out additional maintenance services in coming years.”
Partner and Head of CIP Australia, Jørn Hammer, said, “We are proud to see the start of construction on the Lotus Creek Wind Farm.
“CIP will play an important role in developing, building, and proving the operation of Queensland and Australia’s new energy infrastructure, and working with the longer-term asset owners and operators, including Queensland’s public energy companies.
“We look forward to helping CS Energy deliver its first wind farm project.”
The wind farm is expected to be operational in 2027, following commissioning in the final quarter of 2026.
Featured image: CJO Photography/shutterstock.com
