Queensland solar destined for green hydrogen production

Construction has begun on a $500 million solar farm near Gladstone, Queensland that will provide power to the proposed Central Queensland Hydrogen project (CQ-H2).

The Stanwell Corporation-led project, which is backed by $69.2 million in funding through the regional hydrogen hubs programme, could produce up to 292,000 tonnes of hydrogen a year by 2031.

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 480 megawatts peak.

Steel manufacturer Orrcon recently opened a production line facility in Northgate and will manufacturer steel to be used in the construction of the solar farm.

The project is strategically situated within the Gladstone State Development Area (SDA) on land owned by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ).

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has signed a development lease with renewable energy company ACCIONA Energía as part of the state government’s commitment to increasing renewable energy supply.

The Aldoga Solar Farm will offer $150 million in local procurement opportunities and deliver up to 350 jobs during construction and up to 10 ongoing full-time roles.

ACCIONA Energía’s community benefits programme will also provide $120,000 in annual funding to local initiatives including scholarships with Central Queensland University, small grants and legacy projects.

The Managing Director of ACCIONA Energía Brett Wickham said: “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.”

Construction of the Aldoga Solar Farm is now underway, with the facility to be operational by mid-2026, and operate for 30 years.

100 percent of the electricity produced at the Aldoga Solar Farm will be supplied to CQ-H2 under a Power Purchase Agreement.

Further reading:
Agreement reached for federal support of Gladstone hydrogen hub

Picture: Picture: credit Stanwell