RWE has received Federal Government approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act for its proposed 1.1 GW Theodore Wind Farm in Central Queensland, marking a major milestone for the project.
With the EPBC approval, the wind farm has now secured all required state and federal approvals. The company will proceed with secondary consents involving the local council and other relevant authorities before construction begins.
The EPBC approval includes conditions aimed at protecting biodiversity and mitigating potential environmental impacts. RWE said it will continue implementing comprehensive environmental management and monitoring plans to comply with the approval requirements.
The A$3 billion Theodore Wind Farm is expected to support Australia’s energy transition by strengthening energy security, creating employment opportunities, and supplying renewable electricity to Queensland’s growing population and industrial sector. The project is also expected to contribute to improved electricity affordability across the state.
During construction, the project is expected to create up to 500 jobs, with an additional 25 permanent operational roles and approximately 300 indirect jobs over its estimated 30-year operational life. RWE estimates the development will contribute around A$500 million to Queensland’s economy during construction and deliver A$17.5 million in community benefits.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, subject to a final investment decision, and is expected to take up to four years, with a peak workforce of around 500 people.
Commenting on the approval, Sopna Sury, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, said the EPBC approval represents an important milestone for the Theodore Wind Farm and reflects the company’s commitment to delivering reliable renewable electricity while maintaining high environmental standards. She added that RWE has worked closely with regulators, neighbouring communities, and local stakeholders throughout the approval process and looks forward to continuing this collaboration as the project progresses.
