Energy project ramps up
WORK is starting on an innovative $ 160 million hybrid wind, solar and battery project in Hughenden with lead contractors mobilising at sites and constructing access roads.
About 100 people will be employed developing the project over the next 12 months.
Site construction manager for US- based Quanta Solar John Palmer said they were in the early days of project mobilisation undertaking activities such as laying down site sheds and offices.
“We’ve been looking for local contractors, electricians and hardware for tools,” Mr Palmer said.
“We are also preparing for when our workforce ramps up so we’ve been talking to local cafes and sporting facilities. Everyone seems happy to have us around and we are excited to be a welcome visitor to the Hughenden community.”
The project, owned by Kennedy Energy Park Holding Pty Ltd, is being developed through a joint venture between Australian renewable energy developer Windlab Ltd and Japanese renewable energy investor Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation.
It will comprise a world- first hybrid of 43.2MW wind, 15MW solar and 2MW battery storage.
Quanta Solar is providing engineering, procurement and construction services, while Danish turbine manufacturer Vestas will supply and install the wind turbines and operate and maintain the energy park.
Windlab chairman and CEO Roger Price said the project was a “proof- of- concept” for a much larger $ 2 billion 1200MW wind farm and possible State Government investment in transmission lines to improve connection to the electricity grid.
“Many of the skills identified and developed during the construction of Kennedy Energy Park will also be invaluable to deliver the planned investment in stage 2 Kennedy Wind Farm and the North Queensland Clean Energy ( transmission) Hub,” Mr Price said.
President of Quanta Solar Charles Wright said it was important they engaged with and used the resources on offer from the local area where possible.
Vestas Country Head Australia and New Zealand Peter Cowling said Vestas would explore training programs and workforce requirements with the local community and ensure the area was equipped with the skills for new technologies.
Quanta Solar mobilised to the site in mid- January and have been engaging businesses to understand what skill sets, services available.
More than 100 expressions of interest to provide services have been received. and products are
Suppliers, businesses or people looking for employment can register through the Quanta Solar website at www. quantasolar. com. au.