Windlab welcomes the recognition of the Bungaban wind energy project as a priority project under the Federal Government’s National Renewable Energy Priority List, reinforcing its importance in delivering large-scale clean energy to support Australia’s energy transition and the long-term sustainability of the country’s resource and industrial sectors.

Located on the traditional lands of the Iman and Auburn Hawkwood Peoples, near Wandoan and Taroom in South Queensland, Bungaban will deliver 1.4 gigawatts (GW) of reliable renewable energy. This recognition highlights Bungaban’s role in strengthening Queensland’s renewable energy supply, creating regional economic opportunities, and supporting the decarbonisation of major industries.

Bungaban has a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) in place to supply 80% of its generated electricity to Rio Tinto’s Gladstone minerals processing facilities, which employ more than 3,000 people. This agreement underscores the growing importance of renewable energy in ensuring that Australia’s traditional industries remain competitive as global markets shift towards low-carbon supply chains.

John Martin, CEO of Windlab, said the announcement highlights the essential role of renewable energy in sustaining industry while achieving Australia’s energy transition targets.

“Bungaban is a nation-building project that will deliver the clean power needed to sustain industry, support jobs, and strengthen Australia’s energy and economic security,”  Mr Martin said.

“Reaching our renewable energy targets is essential, and projects like this demonstrate how we can transition at scale while ensuring Queensland’s key industries remain competitive in a low-carbon economy.

“As we move through approvals and toward construction, we remain committed to working closely with landholders, community, Traditional Owners, and industry to deliver a project that balances economic, social, and environmental outcomes.”

The remaining 20% of Bungaban’s generation will supply the National Electricity Market, producing enough clean energy to power the equivalent of one in 13 Queensland households. As a whole, the project is set to eliminate approximately 3.9 million tonnes annually of carbon emissions from the nation’s generation profile, the equivalent of removing over 1.6million cars from Australia’s roads each year.

The project is on track to commence construction in 2026, with first power expected by 2028. It will create up to 750 jobs during construction and deliver long-term regional economic benefits through local procurement, employment, and supply chain opportunities.

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About the National Renewable Energy Priority List

The National Renewable Energy Priority List, led by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), is a Federal Government initiative designed to accelerate the development of critical renewable energy infrastructure. The projects on the list have been identified as essential to supporting Australia’s transition to 82% renewable electricity by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

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