A sustainable energy source in Atherton Tablelands, QLD
Location: Atherton Tablelands, QLD
Status: Operational
Network: Powerlink
53
Wind Turbines180.5MW
Capacity75,000
Avg Homes Powered Per Year2019
Beginning of operationsAs Queensland’s largest wind farm at the time, Mount Emerald set several benchmarks when it began generating power in late 2018.
Producing an average of 500 GWh of safe, clean, renewable electricity each year, the wind farm helps avoid 275,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually throughout its operational life.
Located on a plateau approximately two kilometres north of the landmark Mount Emerald—which stands 1,122 metres above sea level. The wind farm site itself sits at an elevation of around 900 metres, presenting significant development challenges.
To suit the site’s unique conditions, two types of wind turbines were installed:
The turbines are carefully positioned away from known Northern Quoll habitats and prominent ridgelines to reduce both environmental and cultural heritage impacts. A seed bank, established on the adjacent 435-hectare site, supports our environmental and biodiversity offset management efforts.
The operational footprint of the wind farm occupies just 0.03% of the total 2,400-hectare site and includes: