Hopeland Solar Farm : Pacific Partnerships seals development rights for Queensland project

Pacific Partnerships, a subsidiary of the CIMIC Group, has clinched the development rights for Queensland’s 300MWdc Hopeland Solar Farm. This acquisition marks Pacific Partnerships‘ second venture into large-scale solar projects, affirming its position as a frontrunner in the realm of renewable energy.

Backed by its specialized division, Pacific Partnerships Energy, the company is poised to not only develop but also channel investments into the Hopeland Solar Farm, taking charge of its seamless delivery and efficient operations. Situated a mere 290km west of Brisbane in the resource-rich Darling Downs region, the solar project is anticipated to be a cornerstone in Queensland’s ambitious Energy and Jobs Plan, which eyes a significant 70% of electricity consumption hailing from renewables by 2032 and an impressive 80% by 2035.

CIMIC Group’s Executive Chairman, Juan Santamaria, expressed fervent commitment towards bolstering Queensland’s green energy transition, stating, “As we magnify our diverse national portfolio of energy assets, Queensland remains pivotal. Our endeavors align seamlessly with the region’s vision for a sustainable energy future.”

Simon Nicholls, Pacific Partnerships’ Managing Director, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential of the Hopeland Solar Farm to revolutionize Queensland’s energy dynamics. “Anchored in the Southern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone (QREZ), this project promises not just an energy metamorphosis but also significant job creation, economic diversification, and emission reduction,” Nicholls elaborated. The Hopeland Solar Farm, thanks to its strategic proximity to the Western Downs sub-station, is also being earmarked as an ideal spot for a potent 175MW/350MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).

The Hopeland Solar Farm’s blueprint projects its capacity to independently power a staggering 100,000 homes in Queensland. The acquisition rights for this mega-project were secured from Renewable Energy Partners, an eminent Brisbane-based developer of large-scale renewable endeavors.

Luke McDonald, the CEO of Renewable Energy Partners, lauded the acquisition, emphasizing its promise for Queensland’s energy future. “This transfer of development rights to Pacific Partnerships paves the way for reliable project execution and a consistent stream of top-tier renewable energy,” he remarked.

Pacific Partnerships, in collaboration with CIMIC Group’s UGL, has already commenced preliminary work on the project. The company’s blueprint encompasses comprehensive project management, from engineering and procurement to construction. With all pieces in place, energy production from the Hopeland Solar Farm is forecasted to kick off in 2026.