“Significant milestone:” Power flow testing begins at big Forrest-backed wind farm

Andrew Forrest-backed Squadron Energy has energised the main substation at its 450MW Clarke Creek Wind Farm in Queensland, marking the latest milestone for what will be one of Australia’s biggest wind farms – for a time, at least.

Located 150km north-west of Rockhampton, the Clarke Creek Wind Farm is currently under construction, with around one-quarter of its 100 4.5MW turbines installed in June. It is expected that the wind farm will be fully operational sometime in 2025.

In a project update last week, Squadron said that it had energised the wind farm’s main substation and testing was being conducted onsite.

“We’re celebrating another significant milestone at our Clarke Creek Wind Farm this week with first energisation of the wind farm’s main substation and testing taking place onsite,” the company said on LinkedIn.

“This work is vital to ensure a smooth transition to energy production as we move towards full operational status for the 450MW wind farm.”

“This marks a crucial step for the project to ensure that our wind turbines and associated electrical systems are ready for safe and reliable operation,” said John Macchiusi, Clarke Creek Wind Farm project director.

Image source: Squadron Energy

Testing of the main substation will ensure all electrical components are working correctly and complete safety checks to ensure the protection of both the equipment and personnel.

This will be followed by power flow testing to allow electricity to flow through the system for the first time.

Once completed, the wind farm will generate electricity equivalent to the needs of around 330,000 Queensland homes and avoid 738,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.