Local businesses are getting behind Quanta Solar and Vestas building Australia’s first utility-scale wind, solar, storage hybrid generator as construction gets underway near Hughenden.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The $160 million Kennedy Energy Park Project already has over ten local suppliers involved and discussions with Rainbow Gateway to ensure opportunities for indigenous employment are underway.
Houses have been rented around Hughenden to house the initial wave of construction staff with more temporary accommodation being prepared as activity ramps up.
The project owned by Kennedy Energy Park Holding Pty Ltd is being developed through a 50/50 joint venture between Windlab Limited and Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation.
It comprises 43.2MW wind, 15MW solar and 2MW battery storage.
Quanta Solar will provide engineering, procurement and construction services (EPC).
Vestas will supply and install the wind turbines and operate and maintain the hybrid park on completion.
Quanta Solar mobilised to site mid-January and have been engaging businesses to understand what skill sets, services and products are available from the local community.
Over 100 expressions of interest to provide services have been received.
Roger Price, Chair and CEO of Windlab Limited said renewable energy projects brought economic benefit to local communities and they were off to a strong start at Kennedy Energy Park.
“Many of the skills identified and developed during the construction of Kennedy Energy Park will also be invaluable to deliver the planned investment in stage 2, Kennedy Wind Farm and the Queensland Clean Energy Hub”, Mr Price said.
Charles Wright, President Quanta Solar, said it was important to Quanta and Vestas to use local resources where possible.
Peter Cowling, Country Head Australia and New Zealand of Vestas said they would maintain the Park under a 15-year service maintenance contract on completion of the project.
“Vestas looks forward to exploring training programs and workforce requirements with the local community, ensuring the area is equipped with high-tech skills in new technologies for the road ahead”, Mr Cowling said.
John Palmer, Site Construction Manager for Quanta Solar said that the community was eager to support the project.
“We are in the early days of project mobilisation so we are undertaking activities such as laying down site sheds and offices. We’ve been looking for local contractors, electricians and hardware for tools,” Mr Palmer said.
“However, we are also preparing for when our workforce ramps up so we’ve been talking to local cafes and sporting facilities. Everyone seems happy to have us around and we are excited to be a welcome visitor to the Hughenden community.”
Suppliers, business or people looking for employment can visit and register through the Quanta Solar website at www.quantasolar.com.au or Vestas Career Community.
Quanta Solar or Vestas will be in touch when matching services are required.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
