CLEAN, NON-POLLUTING ENERGY
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
1 in 8 people still do not have access to electricity. In order to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, it is necessary to increase the use of renewable energy from 25 % today to 38 % in 2025.
ACCIONA is positioning itself as a key player in addressing the growth in energy demand while curbing the progress of global warming and promoting the transition to a decarbonized energy model.
CLIMATE ACTION
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
The generation and use of energy is responsible for 74 % of total greenhouse gas emissions in the world. This activity is the largest contributor to global warming. Investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and other low carbon technologies will continue to be essential to meet the new needs of humanity and to minimise their negative impact on the environment.
ACCIONA considers the fight against climate change and its related effects to be a strategic priority. The Company is working to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in order to contribute to the progress of society and respond to the main challenges of sustainable development in the areas of infrastructure, water and energy, leading the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The MacIntyre Wind Precinct serves as a hub for multiple renewable energy projects, promoting environmental conservation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and fostering a more resilient and efficient energy infrastructure for all Australians. This concept integrates these key energy projects within its infrastructure in the Goondiwindi, Southern Downs, and Toowoomba regions.
The precinct will continue to provide diversification and drought-proof incomes to host farmers and support local towns with new business opportunities.
A key benefit of this expansion is the opportunity to create more comprehensive and impactful programs that will benefit the broader community, fostering collaboration among all parties involved in programs such as small grants programs, scholarship programs, First Nations initiatives, and legacy projects.
MACINTYRE WIND FARM
The 923MW MacIntyre Wind Farm has delivered over $680m in local economic benefit. It will be ACCIONA Energía’s biggest renewable energy facility and one of the largest onshore wind farms in the world. The wind farm is expected to start operations in Q4, 2024, and be fully operational by Q4, 2025.
The site has been selected due to its exposure to consistent winds across this part of the country. It provides a suitable resource for the development of a wind farm, which will consist of 162 turbines over a project area of 32,000 ha.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Location: Approximately 50 kms south-west of Warwick and 10 kms south of Karara in Queensland and spans across two local government regions – Goondiwindi and Southern Downs
- Capacity: 923 MW
- Turbines: 162 turbines
- Jobs: The project has peaked in providing over 1,000 construction jobs at a time and inducted more than 4,500 workers. During its operational life, it is due to employ 35-40 additional full-time roles
- Timeline: The project commenced construction in 2022 and is expected to be operational in Q4, 2024
- Incorporates an overhead transmission line (OHTL) from the MacIntyre Intermediate Switching Station to Tummaville Substation
KEY POINTS
- Local economic benefit: procured over $680m in services, labour and materials from across Queensland
- At least 2% of the project work hours to be performed by persons who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI)
- Provide at least $2.5 million in financial contributions to local community programs, events and initiatives within the first ten years of the Project.
MORE INFORMATION
Please visit our dedicated Community Hub page for more information about this project including relevant documentation, latest project news and community benefits.
HERRIES RANGE WIND FARM
The proposed Herries Range Wind Farm is located near Karara (about 50km west of Warwick) in the Darling Downs Region of Queensland. The project covers the Southern Downs, Goondiwindi, and Toowoomba local government areas.
ACCIONA Energía is in advanced development of the Herries Range Wind Farm, with various engineering, environmental, and social impact studies currently in progress.
The project is anticipated to consist of up to 176 wind turbines, with ancillary infrastructure including on-site substations.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Location: Approximately 50 kms west of Warwick, immediately north of the townships of Karara and Gore in Queensland, spanning across three local government regions – Goondiwindi, Toowoomba and Southern Downs
- Capacity: 1GW
- Turbines: Up to 176 turbines
- Jobs: Over 450 construction jobs and 20-30 ongoing full-time roles expected during operation
- Timeline: The project is currently in development, with construction proposed to commence in 2026
MORE INFORMATION
Please visit our dedicated Community Hub page for more information about this project including relevant documentation, latest project news and community benefits.
KARARA WIND FARM
ACCIONA Energia is currently investigating options to develop the Karara Wind Farm after purchasing the project from CleanCo in 2024.
Karara Wind Farm is now being developed by our team as part of the broader MacIntyre Wind Precinct.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Location: Approximately 50 kms west of Warwick, 12 km south of Karara in Queensland, in the Goondiwindi local government area
- Capacity: 103 MW
- Turbines: Up to 18 turbines
- Timeline: The project is in development with construction proposed to commence in 2026.
Karara Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- ACCIONA Energía is currently developing the Karara Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
- The site for the Karara BESS has been strategically selected as it is directly adjacent to Powerlink’s existing MacIntyre Intermediation Switching Station (MISS) and overhead transmission line. This will enable an optimal and efficient point of interconnection and minimise the need for additional transmission line cabling or transmission towers. Additionally, the proposed BESS has been designed to occupy existing cleared areas. By locating the BESS in an area with existing similar infrastructure and limited vegetation, we minimise environmental impacts and preserve surrounding amenity.
- The BESS site is on the same land parcel as the approved but not constructed Karara Wind Farm.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Location: Approximately 50 kms west of Warwick, 12 km south of Karara in Queensland, in the Goondiwindi local government area
- Capacity: 400MW/2 hr storage duration (800MWh)
- Timeline: The project is in development, with the Development Application being lodged in late 2024. Construction is proposed to commence in early 2026.