DP Energy Announces Plans To Develop 1,400 MW Wind Farm In Queensland, Australia

• Windy Plains Renewable Energy Park is located approximately 40 km southeast of Julia Creek in McKinlay Shire, Queensland
• Proposed site has a number of benefits including optimal wind speeds, flat topography and minimal proximity to neighbouring dwellings
• DP Energy Australia Team are actively engaging with local community and stakeholders

DP Energy, an Irish company that develops large renewable energy generation projects in Australia and across the world, has announced plans to develop Windy Plains Renewable Energy Park, a major renewable energy development located approximately 40 km southeast of Julia Creek in McKinlay Shire, Queensland.

Combining approximately 197 wind turbines with an installed capacity of up to 1,400 MW and supported by battery energy storage systems (BESS) of around 500 MW / 2000 MWh. The project represents a significant opportunity to contribute to Queensland’s renewable energy targets and Australia’s broader net-zero goals.

The proposed site has a number of benefits including optimal wind speeds (forecast to be in excess of 8.5 m/s), large land blocks with minimal proximity to neighbouring dwellings, flat topography which will lead to cost-effective deployment, and proximity to the new CopperString transmission line being constructed by Powerlink Queensland.

The project will also create direct employment opportunities during construction and operation, as well as indirect opportunities through increased demand for local products, materials, and services.

DP Energy is committed to responsible development, with honest and meaningful engagement at the core of all projects. The DP Energy Australia Team are now actively engaging with early neighbours to the project including McKinlay Shire Council, Queensland Government agencies, First Nations, and other stakeholders.

To support DP Energy’s commitment to early engagement, there will be a community drop-in session at the Julia Creek Civic Centre on Wednesday, 13th August, providing an opportunity for the local community to meet the project team, ask questions, and learn more about the project’s potential benefits, timelines, and next steps.

The official project website www.windyplainsrep.com.au is now live, offering key information about the proposal, community benefits, and opportunities to register for updates or employment interest.

DP Energy will also launch a Community Benefit Fund Survey to help guide how a future fund, can best deliver lasting benefits to the region. The survey is also live and can be found via the project website.

The Windy Plains Renewable Energy Project is currently in the Project Feasibility stage, with high-level environmental, cultural heritage, and technical assessments underway. Approvals from Queensland and Commonwealth regulators will follow after more detailed studies and consultation have taken place.

DP Energy’s Australian portfolio also includes the proposed 430 MW Callide Wind Farm in Queensland, which has secured key state and federal approvals, and the 700 MW Euston Wind Farm in New South Wales, which was advanced through early-stage development by DP Energy before being handed over to a major Australian energy company for delivery.

Other Australian projects developed by DP Energy include the now operational 320 MW Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park in South Australia as well as a pipeline of early stage projects primarily in New South Wales and Queensland.

Headquartered in Buttevant in North Cork, and operating for over 30 years, DP Energy has enabled 1 GW of renewable energy generation through 21 significant infrastructure projects worldwide. Currently, DP Energy has a 4.5 GW pipeline of renewable energy projects across Ireland, the UK, Australia and Canada.

DP Energy was founded with a commitment to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods in all its energy developments whilst also minimising impact on other species, including marine mammals. This commitment remains at the core of the company’s activities today.

Commenting on the proposed project, Hugh Cantwell, DP Energy Australia’s Head of Development, says: “Windy Plains Renewable Energy Park is perfectly positioned to tap into North Queensland’s incredible wind resources, resulting in long‑term economic benefits for the region. With strong, consistent winds, ample land, and direct access to new transmission infrastructure, it will power both the grid and local growth for decades to come.

From the outset, our priority is genuine collaboration with local communities, First Nations, and all levels of government. Early, open dialogue means Windy Plains Renewable Energy Park will be designed with community insights at its core, delivering results that will create lasting value for all stakeholders.”

In Ireland, DP Energy has an immediate pipeline of projects including:

• Lyra Wind farm in Co. Mayo, which could generate up to 100MW
• Aries Wind Farm, also located in Co. Mayo, with potential capacity for up to 50MW
• Additional early-stage wind farms
• A growing portfolio of solar projects in the 20MW to 50MW range
• Early-stage projects involving non grid dependant renewable energy solutions for large energy users.