Dulacca Wind Farm Powers Up for Queensland

18 October 2023

Queensland continues to lead the nation in the renewable energy transformation, with the official opening of the Dulacca Wind Farm today, moving the state even closer to its renewable energy targets.

The 180MW project, owned by Octopus and developed by RES, created 150 jobs in regional Queensland at its construction peak.

State-owned CleanCo has a long-term power purchase agreement with the Dulacca Wind Farm to acquire 70 per cent of the output (or 126MW), meaning that the renewable energy generated here in the Western Downs will support CleanCo to provide affordable, clean energy to its customers.

These customers include BHP Mitsubishi Alliance as well as the Scentre Group, which owns and operates Queensland’s Westfield shopping centres.

Quotes attributable to the Premier of Queensland, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“Queensland is leading the nation when it comes to renewable energy.

“The Dulacca Wind Farm represents a significant moment in Queensland’s energy transformation, twelve months on from the establishment of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, and highlights our commitment to cleaner, cheaper energy for Queenslanders.

“We're not just powering Queensland, we're contributing to a global shift toward decarbonisation, and our publicly owned clean energy generator CleanCo is at the forefront.

“This is a part of our government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan which is all about a future of cheaper, cleaner, and secure energy for Queenslanders, powering good jobs across the state.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni:

“Every time we connect a new wind farm, we are applying downward pressure on power bills, with Queensland wholesale power costs trending cheaper this last quarter.

“CleanCo's partnership with Scentre Group, the owner and operator of Queensland’s Westfield shopping centres, which by 2025 will be powered by clean energy produced by this wind farm, exemplifies how we're driving the energy transformation that benefits all Queenslanders.

“Consumers everywhere are demanding reductions in embedded emissions, and in the future, Queenslanders can shop at their local Westfield knowing they’re making a contribution to preventing damaging climate change.”

Quotes attributable to RES in Australia’s CEO, Matt Rebbeck:

“The official opening of the Dulacca Wind Farm is a significant milestone in our mission to create a sustainable energy future.”

"We are proud to contribute to Queensland’s renewable energy goals and look forward to powering homes and businesses around the state with clean, affordable and reliable energy from this state-of-the-art wind farm.”

“We are pleased to be continuing our involvement in this outstanding project and we are looking forward to supporting our partners at Octopus through the operation of the wind farm.”

Quotes to be attributed to Octopus Investments Australia Managing Director Sam Reynolds

“We are really excited about the opening of Dulacca Wind Farm and proud to be supporting the Queensland Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan and working with our partners RES and CleanCo.

“Dulacca is a significant milestone for Octopus with our first operating wind farm in Queensland.

“Octopus has a number of other renewable development projects in the Western Downs region, supporting the build out of the Queensland SuperGrid. This includes our recent 1Gwh Queensland battery and Western Downs Energy Park to support providing clean, cheap and reliable firmed renewable energy to Queenslanders.”

Quotes attributable to Western Downs Regional Deputy Mayor, Andrew Smith:

“Western Downs as a region, has this magnificent diverse economy.”

“Traditionally we are an agricultural base and that is as strong as it has been but we have this wonderful energy sector which is diversifying our economy and strengthening so many different areas in our region.”

Quotes attributable to Miles State High School Trade Training Centre Manager, Brady Moffatt:

“The relationship between the RES and the school was one of friendliness and cooperation.”

“The students at the Trade Training Centre used timber donated by the project to build tables and chairs which have since been donated back to the community.”

“The outcome of the relationship with the Dulacca Wind Farm has been wonderful for the community and the school.”

Quotes attributable to CleanCo CEO, Tom Metcalfe:

“CleanCo’s commitment to powering Queensland industry with reliable, clean energy is second to none.”

“We are incredibly proud to partner with RES and Octopus in the development of the Dulacca Wind Farm which has added 126MW to our generation portfolio.”

“The energy generated by Dulacca will support many of our customers to achieve their sustainability goals, and that means a major step forward in Queensland’s decarbonisation journey.”

“It is through strong partnerships with developers like RES that CleanCo will continue to build a diverse portfolio of renewable energy generation and advance Queensland’s energy transformation with generation assets that are built by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders.”

Further Information:

The wind farm generates enough clean energy to power approximately 124,000 homes annually.
Publicly owned, CleanCo Queensland, has an offtake for 70 per cent (or 126MW) from the Dulacca Wind Farm.
Peak construction supported around 150 Queensland jobs, with over 1000 people providing construction support during the 2-year building period.
Throughout the construction process, RES donated 30,000 kilograms of timber to local schools for the students to use in woodwork classes.
The project was developed by RES and is owned by Octopus Australia.
The Dulacca Wind Farm will be part of the future Darling Downs REZ.