The Aldoga solar farm, located near Gladstone in Queensland, represents a major step forward for Australia in its quest for renewable energies. Scheduled to come on stream in the first quarter of 2024, the 380-megawatt facility represents an investment of 500 million Australian dollars (300 million euros), an unmistakable sign of the country’s commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Jobs and Economic Impact
The Aldoga project not only promotes environmental sustainability, it is also a significant economic driver. Construction of the solar farm will generate a peak in employment, creating up to 350 jobs over an 18-month period. This employment boom in the region reflects the direct and positive impact of investment in renewable energies on the local economy.
Strategic partnerships and long-term objectives
At the heart of the project is a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Stanwell Corporation, Queensland’s state-owned energy company. Stanwell plans to use the energy produced at Aldoga to power its green hydrogen project, Central Queensland Hydrogen (CQ-H2), scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2028. This partnership underlines the importance of strategic collaboration in the energy transition.
Environmental impact and long-term vision
The Aldoga solar farm will have the capacity to supply clean electricity to almost 185,000 homes, avoiding the emission of some 934,000 tonnes of CO2 every year. This figure illustrates the project’s key role in accelerating Queensland’s decarbonization, an essential milestone in the fight against climate change.
ACCIONA Energía: A Key Player in Australia’s Transition
This project is further proof of ACCIONA Energía’s commitment to Australia, a strategic country for accelerating its growth. In addition to the Aldoga solar farm, the company is building Australia’s largest wind farm, MacIntyre (1,026MW), and developing the adjacent Herries Range wind farm (around 1,000MW), doubling the capacity of the MacIntyre Wind Precinct to 2,000MW.
The Aldoga solar farm symbolizes a major milestone in Australia’s energy evolution, underlining the importance of innovation and partnership in achieving a sustainable future.
