The Queensland Government has announced that construction is underway on the $500 million Aldoga Solar Farm.
Located at Aldoga, about 20km northwest of Gladstone, the Aldoga Solar Farm will feature up to 820,000 solar modules with the capacity to produce 480MW at peak.
The project is strategically situated within the Gladstone State Development Area (SDA) on land owned by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ).
EDQ has signed a development lease with leading renewable energy company ACCIONA Energía as part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to increasing renewable energy supply, generating jobs and supporting economic growth.
The Aldoga Solar Farm will offer $150 million in local procurement opportunities and deliver up to 350 jobs during construction, as well as up to ten ongoing full-time roles.
ACCIONA Energía’s community benefits program will also provide $120,000 in annual funding to local initiatives including scholarships with Central Queensland University, small grants and legacy projects.
With construction on the Aldoga Solar Farm now underway, the facility is expected to be operational by mid-2026 and will operate for 30 years.
Under a power purchase agreement, 100 per cent of the electricity produced at the Aldoga Solar Farm will be supplied to Stanwell Corporation’s proposed Central Queensland Hydrogen project (CQ-H2).
CQ-H2 is Queensland’s largest renewable hydrogen project, aiming to deliver renewable hydrogen through different carriers to Japan and Singapore as well as supplying large domestic customers in Central Queensland.
Steel manufacturer Orrcon recently opened a production line facility in Northgate and will manufacture steel to be used in the construction of the solar farm.
The manufacturer is poised to supply components for a number of large-scale solar projects to help with the state’s renewable energy transition.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said, “On my first day as Premier, I announced that my government would lift Queensland’s ambition on climate action – and reduce our emissions by 75 per cent by 2035 – to strengthen our economy and create jobs.
“Our target, along with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, gives big business the confidence that the sunshine state is the best place to invest in renewables.
“This project will create hundreds of jobs for Central Queenslanders now and into the future,” Mr Miles said.
Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, said, “ACCIONA Energía is the largest 100 per cent renewable company in the world.
“It’s exciting to see an industry leader investing in Queensland and using the latest technology in solar to harness this clean energy source and deliver benefits for Queensland and beyond, with CQ-H2 to export renewable hydrogen to Japan and Singapore.
“The Aldoga Solar Farm project will kickstart Central Queensland’s renewable energy industry and help the area’s existing industries decarbonise their operations.
“With a 480MW peak capacity, the $500 million facility will avoid 930,000t of carbon dioxide emissions per annum.
“This project aligns with the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and is a great example of how we are powering towards our targets of 70 per cent renewable energy by 2032 and net zero emissions by 2050,” Ms Grace said.
Queensland Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Minister, Mick de Brenni, said, “This announcement is not only critical in delivering emissions reduction, but importantly, supports bringing renewable manufacturing to Queensland.”
“With Queensland built components and 350 local tradespeople involved in construction and commissioning, the Aldoga Solar Farm truly will be a product of the Sunshine State.
“This renewable energy project is the first in Queensland to use locally manufactured torque tubing made with Australian BlueScope coil.
“Projects like the Aldoga Solar Farm are helping to build our nation’s energy independence, one panel at a time,” Mr de Brenni said.
Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, said, “We’ve always known Gladstone was crucial for energy production and industry in Queensland, now this project proves this region is well and truly driving the renewables sector here in Queensland.
“This builds on other major local projects like the Central Queensland Hydrogen project and Fortescue Future Industries’ hydrogen manufacturing facility.
“As a cornerstone in the Energy and Jobs Plan, this landmark project will increase renewable energy supply, generate jobs and support economic growth in Central Queensland for years to come,” Mr Butcher said.
ACCIONA Energía Managing Director, Brett Wickham, said, “Our focus in Queensland is to keep building new electricity generation and creating new jobs within the state.
“Projects like Aldoga will help transition our energy system while providing the employment, training and procurement opportunities regional communities are asking for so they can take advantage of this booming industry.
“The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, great partners in Stanwell and Economic Development Queensland and some of the best renewable resources in the country are why we want to keep building projects here.
“ACCIONA Energía is committed to supporting the local community in the areas around our projects. We invest in the community to build skills and capability that leave a lasting legacy to be proud of,” Mr Wickham said.
