RES and Energy Estate to Advance 2 GW Renewable Hub in Queensland

RES and Energy Estate will work together on the CQP project which plans to deliver over 2 GW of wind, solar and storage developments in Queensland

RES, one of the world’s largest independent renewable energy companies with over 16 GW portfolio has partnered with Energy Estate to work together on the Central Queensland Power project (CQP) which plans to deliver over 2 GW of wind, solar and storage developments and new transmission infrastructure.

Energy Estate is an advisory firm and business accelerator, focused on accelerating the transformation of the global energy sector. RES and Energy Estate have successful track records of developing large scale renewable energy projects in Queensland. RES’ 72MW Emerald Solar Farm and 180 MW Dulacca Wind Farm, and Energy Estate’s 300 MW Rodds Bay Solar Farm through its affiliate Renew Estate.

The concept behind the CQP project is to accelerate the development of an integrated portfolio of strategically located wind, solar and energy storage projects in the Fitzroy Renewable Energy Zone, over the next 10 years. This includes creating a robust and resilient supply chain for the renewable energy sector in Queensland using the natural advantages of the region and port at Gladstone.

“The Central Queensland Power project is designed to drive the decarbonisation of Gladstone and accelerate the energy transition of heavy industry around this critical region. We are developing renewable energy projects which will deliver a mix of wind, solar and storage in proximity to Gladstone, allowing for blended generation to create a firmed renewable electricity supply able to meet the 24/7 requirements of existing heavy industry as well as the wider community and stimulate the development of new industries such as green hydrogen” said Simon Currie from Energy Estate.

Energy Estates and RES have already been working closely with key stakeholders in the Gladstone region and the Queensland Government to accelerate progress and claim that further announcements will be expected soon.

Matt Rebbeck, CEO of RES in Australia said the two firms have a shared vision for the Central Queensland region. The CQP project will draw upon the strengths and experiences of both companies and is perfectly positioned to create jobs, deliver low cost clean energy and support the competitiveness of the region’s existing heavy industry to lead in the capture of domestic and export opportunities in a transforming energy sector.

Simon Corbell, Chief Advisor of Energy Estate, said “the location of these projects is critical to a ‘Just Transition’ of the Gladstone workforce. The jobs created will rely on skills that are already readily available in Gladstone – construction, engineering, civil earthworks, fencing and security, electrical, geotech, transportation and logistics. As they proceed through development, construction and operations, in total the projects are expected to create over a thousand local jobs and the overall investment in the projects will inject millions of dollars into the local economy.

“The wider Gladstone area is ideally placed for innovative, transitional training as well as re-skilling to create an emerging green energy workforce in Central Queensland to meet the needs of a transforming energy sector. We intend to partner with the communities close to these projects in such a way as to assist them to build resilience against climate fluctuations, job transitions, and social change.”