Mt Challenger Wind Farm

Mt Challenger Wind Farm

Mount Challenger Wind Farm is a renewable energy generation development located between the towns of Bowen and Proserpine in the Isaac Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) of Central Queensland.

Consisting of 100-120 megawatts (MW) of wind and 15-30MW of solar generation capacity, and 15-30MW battery energy storage (BESS) on-site, the Mount Challenger project is proposed to connect to the existing transmission network and supply clean energy to the National Electricity Market to contribute to the QLD Government’s target to achieve 80% renewable energy by 2035.

Mount Challenger Wind Farm would generate enough clean electricity to power about 80,000 Queensland homes each year and has been identified for its wind resource and proximity to existing transmission infrastructure.

The project is being developed by Tetris Energy, an Australian renewable energy company developing a range of wind, solar and storage projects in Australia. With a focus on the long-term viability of regional communities, the development of Mount Challenger Wind Farm will generate significant investment and economic benefits in the broader Whitsunday Regional Council region and will be compatible with existing agricultural and farming activities.

Project Overview

Location

Using its renewable energy technical expertise and project development experience, Tetris Energy has identified the Mount Challenger location based on its strong wind resource and proximity to existing transmission lines and large energy users.

The Mount Challenger site is located on farmland predominately used for cattle grazing, approximately 28km southeast of Bowen and 28km northwest of Proserpine in the Whitsunday Regional Council. The Ngaro People inhabited the Whitsunday Islands and coastal bays and the Gia People inhabited the area around Proserpine. Tetris Energy acknowledges the Gia and Ngaro People as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways in the Whitsunday Regional Council.

The region has a strong tradition in mining, being home to Queensland’s oldest coal mine at Collinsville. Glencore and QCoal are the major current operators, producing both coking and thermal coal, much of which is exported through the Port of Abbot Point at Bowen.

Beyond the traditional industries of agriculture, sugar, mining and tourism, new industries are emerging. Tassal, the largest producer of salmon in Australia, is creating its largest prawn farm in Australia (200 hectares), creating a significant aquaculture industry for the region that will double prawn production in Queensland.

Developing the high-quality wind farm at the site would assist to diversify the local economy and generate significant investment in the broader Whitsunday region in a way that is compatible with existing agricultural, mining and tourism activities.

Located in the Isaac Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), Mount Challenger’s wind generation has what is regarded as an ‘attractive’ daily profile. This is important as the energy generated from the wind farm at either end of the day matches with peak energy demand times across the energy grid.

The Mount Challenger Wind Farm will be complimented by co-located battery storage to maximise the energy generated and captured from the site. A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) stores excess electricity from the solar panels when the wind is blowing and then dispatches to the electricity grid when demand it at its peak.

An on-site substation will be used to connect the project to the existing electricity transmission network.

The Central QLD REZs, including Isaac RAZ, help to coordinate development in areas of high renewable potential, maximising benefits for regional communities. These REZs will help attract investment to the right areas in Central Queensland, with up to 8,200 megawatts (MW) of expected new renewable generation will be installed in REZs. Projects within the REZs are expected to be connected incrementally, meaning workers will have sustainable employment opportunities across multiple projects over a number of years.

Powerlink opened the interim Gladstone SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub earlier in 2023, providing workers the critical skills needed in Queensland’s energy transformation.

Read more on Central Queensland’s Renewable Energy Zones in the draft 2023 Queensland Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap.

Planning Process

  • Pre-lodgement
    While voluntary it is advisable to contact the assessment manager and any referral agencies that may be involved in the process prior to lodging to identify potential issues or additional information requirements.
  • Part 1 – Application WE ARE HERE
    When preparing and lodging a development application the applicant must meet certain criteria to ensure it is properly made.
  • Part 2 – Referral
    In some circumstances a development application may require additional assessment. In this case, the application is considered by a referral agency.
  • Part 3 – Information Request
    The assessment manager and any referral agency have the opportunity to ask the applicant for more information.
  • Part 4 – Public Notification
    During the public notification period, the community can make submissions about a development application to the assessment manager, who will consider these when making their decision.
  • Part 5 – Decision
    The assessment manager makes their decision on the development application to either approve, approve in part, approve with conditions or refuse. report
  • Appealing a decision
    After a development application has been decided, the Planning Act specifies certain instances where the applicant or another party can appeal the decision.
  • Changing or extending development approvals
    TAn applicant can change an existing development approval or extend the timeframe of a development approval at any time prior to the development approval lapsing.

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