- Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation approval for 1.1-gigawatt wind project located in Central Queensland
- $3b project expected to power about 500,000 Queensland homes
- State Development Application also secured for project
Wednesday, 15 July 2026
RWE's proposed 1.1 gigawatt (GW) Theodore Wind Farm has received Federal Government approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
The project has now secured all necessary state and federal approvals.
RWE will continue working on grid connection and working with Council and other authorities on the secondary consents required to commence construction.
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.
This is a critical step on the path to a final investment decision and keeps the project on track to be generating by 2030.
The $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 assisting with electricity affordability for Queenslanders. It will create up to 500 construction jobs, as well as approximately 25 operational and 300 indirect jobs over its 35-year life. The project will contribute $500 million to Queensland during construction and $17.5 million funding in community benefits.
Daniel Belton, CEO RWE Renewables Australia: “Receiving EPBC approval for the Theodore Wind Farm is a critical step forward for this project and highlights our commitment to delivering high-quality renewable energy developments in Australia. We have worked closely with DCCEEW, regulators, Traditional Owners and local stakeholders to ensure the project meets rigorous environmental standards. We look forward to continuing to engage with our stakeholders as we move the project into the next phase.”
About Theodore Wind Farm
The proposed Theodore Wind Farm will contain up to 170 turbines and a battery storage system in the Banana Shire in 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 solar farm is made up of 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 Limodale battery storage, 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.