RWE’s proposed 1.1-gigawatt (GW) Theodore Wind Farm project, located in Central Queensland, Australia, has received Federal Government approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. The project has secured all necessary state and federal approvals and will now work through secondary consents with the local council and other authorities.
The EPBC approval includes conditions focused on protecting biodiversity and managing potential environmental impacts. RWE will continue to implement comprehensive environmental management and monitoring plans in line with these requirements.
The A$3 billion project will play a key role in Australia’s energy transition and deliver new energy security and jobs to the Gladstone region’s growing population and industrial base, while helping to improve electricity affordability for Queenslanders. It will create up to 500 construction jobs, as well as approximately 25 operational jobs and 300 indirect jobs over its 30-year life. The project will contribute A$500 million to Queensland during construction and A$17.5 million in community benefits.
Construction of the project is expected to start in 2027, subject to a final investment decision. It will take up to four years and require a workforce of up to 500 people at peak periods.
Sopna Sury, CEO RWE Renewables Europe & Australia: “Receiving EPBC approval for the Theodore Wind Farm marks an important milestone for the project and underlines our commitment to delivering reliable electricity for a resilient energy system. We have worked closely with regulators, neighbours and local stakeholders to ensure the project meets high environmental standards. We look forward to continuing this collaboration as we move into the next phase.”
About Theodore Wind Farm
The proposed Theodore Wind Farm will comprise up to 170 turbines and a battery storage system in Banana Shire, central Queensland. The project is expected to power about 500,000 Queensland homes.
The project secured State Development Approval in June 2025 and, in May this year, was awarded a Capacity Investment Scheme contract under Tender 7 for renewables. RWE is committed to working in partnership with local communities and stakeholders to ensure the project delivers shared value and supports sustainable regional development.
RWE Renewables Australia
Australia is one of RWE’s focus markets, where it has been present since 2013. In 2021, the company commissioned the Limondale Solar Farm in Balranald, New South Wales. The large-scale 314 MWac solar farm comprises 872,000 panels and generates enough electricity to power about 105,000 homes per year. Adjacent to the solar farm, RWE has started full operation of its Limondale battery storage system, which is Australia’s first eight-hour BESS. RWE’s Australian team is developing a portfolio of onshore wind, solar and battery storage projects across the country, supported by the global RWE team.