The Wambo wind farm in the Western Downs region has received State planning approval, with construction expected to begin next year.

Cubico Sustainable Investments and Renewable Energy Partners (REP) are developing the 500MW project, expected to create about 200 jobs in construction.

In addition to wind turbines, the project – near Jandowae – is planned to incorporate a 50MW (200MWhr) battery for storage.

Its approval comes just days after Neoen announced it had secured the finances needed proceed with the Western Downs Green Power Hub, described as the largest solar farm in Australia.

The $600 million project near Chinchilla is expected to create more than 400 construction jobs.

And theWestern Downs Regional Council this week approved Elecseed’s application for a new solar farm at Kumbarilla.

Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh said the Kumbarilla project would offer another injection in the local economy, with around 144 jobs expected to be created during construction.

“We have the right climate, landscape, connectivity, infrastructure and skilled workforce to support renewable energy projects, and it’s fantastic to see another renewable energy project given the green light,” Cr McVeigh said.

“This is the 23rd solar farm approval granted by council in the last four years, adding to an influx of renewable projects worth a combined $4 billion to the Western Downs.

“On top of this, our region is also welcoming new wind farms, such as the recently constructed Coopers Gap Wind Farm, the approved Dulacca Wind Farm and the newly approved Wambo Wind Farm.

“Vena Energy has also started construction on Queensland’s largest grid-scale battery, which again solidifies the continued investment in our region and its attractiveness for large-scale renewable energy projects”.