Standing tall amidst the sun-baked plains of Central Queensland, Australia, rises the Clarke Creek Wind Farm – a testament to Australia's commitment to clean, renewable energy.
This colossal project, once fully operational, promises to be a game-changer, breathing new life into the region's energy landscape and contributing significantly to the nation's ambitious climate goals.
Scale Meets Sustainability:
Clarke Creek is no ordinary wind farm. It's a behemoth, aiming to reach a staggering capacity of 800 megawatts (MW) upon completion. This translates to powering over 500,000 homes with clean, green energy, a significant step towards Australia's target of net-zero emissions by 2050. The project is being meticulously planned and executed in two stages, with the first stage, boasting 100 Goldwind turbines, already whirring away, generating renewable electricity.
Community at the Heart:
The project's impact extends beyond just generating electricity. Squadron Energy, the developers behind Clarke Creek, understand the importance of building bridges with the local community. Extensive consultations and engagement initiatives ensure that the wind farm benefits the region beyond simply providing clean energy. A $200,000 annual community fund supports local initiatives and events, fostering a sense of ownership and partnership.
Economic Engine:
Clarke Creek is not just an environmental champion; it's an economic boon as well. During construction, the project is creating hundreds of jobs, injecting much-needed cash into the local economy. Once operational, it will continue to provide long-term employment opportunities, further strengthening the region's economic fabric.
Symbol of Hope:
The Clarke Creek Wind Farm is more than just a collection of turbines. It's a symbol of hope, a testament to humanity's ability to harness the power of nature for a cleaner, brighter future. As its towering blades spin majestically against the vast Australian sky, they whisper a promise – a promise of a future powered by clean energy, a future where communities thrive, and where the environment is protected. Clarke Creek is not just a wind farm; it's a beacon of change, lighting the way towards a sustainable future for generations to come.
Clark Creek Wind Farm, Australia statistics
Here is Clarke Creek Wind Farm: Key Statistics
Current Stage:
- Nameplate Capacity: 450 MW (Phase 1 operational)
- Number of Turbines: 101 Goldwind 4.5 MW turbines
- Electricity Generation: 2,000,000 MWh/year (estimated)
- Carbon Dioxide Offset: 40,000,000 tonnes/year (estimated)
- Status: Under construction for Phase 2 (800 MW total capacity)
- Expected Completion: 2025 (Phase 2)
Full Project (Upon Completion):
- Nameplate Capacity: 800 MW
- Number of Turbines: 195 (combined Phases 1 & 2)
- Electricity Generation: 4,000,000 MWh/year (estimated)
- Carbon Dioxide Offset: 80,000,000 tonnes/year (estimated)
- Location: 150 km northwest of Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
- Developer: Squadron Energy
- Owner: Squadron Energy
- Estimated Cost: $2.6 billion AUD
Additional Statistics:
- Turbine Tower Height: 150 meters
- Rotor Diameter: 145 meters
- Total Land Area: 76,300 hectares
- Local Community Fund: $200,000 AUD annually
- Jobs Created: Hundreds during construction, long-term positions upon completion
Table of Clarke Creek Wind Farm: Statistics
Clarke Creek Wind Farm: Statistics at a Glance
| Stat | Current Stage (Phase 1) | Full Project |
|---|---|---|
| Nameplate Capacity | 450 MW | 800 MW |
| Number of Turbines | 101 Goldwind 4.5 MW | 195 (combined Phases 1 & 2) |
| Electricity Generation | 2,000,000 MWh/year (estimated) | 4,000,000 MWh/year (estimated) |
| Carbon Dioxide Offset | 40,000,000 tonnes/year (estimated) | 80,000,000 tonnes/year (estimated) |
| Location | 150 km northwest of Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia | Same as above |
| Developer & Owner | Squadron Energy | Same as above |
| Estimated Cost | $2.6 billion AUD | Same as above |
| Turbine Tower Height | 150 meters | Same as above |
| Rotor Diameter | 145 meters | Same as above |
| Total Land Area | 76,300 hectares | Same as above |
| Local Community Fund | $200,000 AUD annually | Same as above |
| Jobs Created | Hundreds during construction | Long-term positions upon completion |
| Current Status | Operational | Under construction for Phase 2 |
| Expected Completion | N/A | 2025 (Phase 2) |
This table provides a concise overview of the key statistics for the Clarke Creek Wind Farm, both in its current stage and upon completion. I
Sources:
- Squadron Energy: https://www.squadronenergy.com/
- Power Technology: https://www.squadronenergy.com/our-projects/clarke-creek-wind-farm
- Global Energy Monitor: https://globalenergymonitor.org/projects/global-energy-monitor-wiki/
- RenewEconomy: https://reneweconomy.com.au/construction-starts-at-andrew-forrest-backed-3-billion-renewable-energy-precinct/
Beyond the Blades:
While the towering turbines are the most visible aspect of the project, Clarke Creek's vision extends further. Squadron Energy's plan for the future includes integrating solar and energy storage technologies into the project, creating a true renewable energy hub. This will ensure a more reliable and resilient energy supply, further solidifying Clarke Creek's role as a pioneer in Australia's renewable energy journey.