Gawara Baya moves into construction, unlocking jobs and investment in North Queensland
Gawara Baya has reached financial close and will now move into construction, marking a significant milestone for one of North Queensland's largest energy projects.
Located approximately 65 kilometres south-west of Ingham on Gugu Badhun Country, Gawara Baya is a hybrid renewable energy project comprising a 408MW wind farm and a 104MW grid-forming battery energy storage system, enough capacity to power 240,000 Queensland homes.
Enabling this milestone, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its Copenhagen Infrastructure V (CI V) fund, has acquired 100 per cent ownership of the project from Windlab.
The project has secured long-term energy offtake arrangements, including agreements with Stanwell and SmartestEnergy, alongside participation in the Australian Government's Capacity Investment Scheme, providing long-term revenue certainty as the project enters construction.
Gawara Baya has been developed through a relationship with the Gugu Badhun People under a landmark Indigenous Land Use Agreement that embeds cultural heritage protection, environmental stewardship and economic benefit. Shaped over several years through extensive local engagement, Gawara Baya will inject $200 million into the regional economy through 500 jobs, procurement activities and supply chain participation.
Local communities are also set to benefit through a $200,000 annual Community Benefit Fund to support community-led initiatives across the Hinchinbrook and Charters Towers local government areas.
The project includes Australia's first renewable energy biodiversity net-gain strategy and long-term commitments to employment, training and economic participation for the Gugu Badhun People. Construction represents the next stage in delivering these commitments and relationships into the future.
Yi-Hua Lu, Partner at CIP said Gawara Baya was an important addition to its Australian portfolio.
“The Gawara Baya project represents a significant long-term investment in Queensland, supporting regional jobs, infrastructure development and the reliable energy supply needed to underpin the state's continued economic growth. We look forward to working alongside our project partners, the Gugu Badhun People and local communities as the project now moves into construction."
John Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Windlab, said reaching financial close was the culmination of years of responsible development.
"We are proud of the project that has been developed and the relationships that have helped shape it. Throughout development, our focus has been on doing things the right way, creating a project that respects Country, works with landholders and delivers lasting benefits for local communities. That commitment has shaped every part of the project, from our relationship with the Gugu Badhun People through to Australia's first renewable energy biodiversity net-gain strategy. These initiatives reflect our belief that renewable energy projects should leave a positive legacy, not just generate electricity."
About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Founded in 2012, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S (CIP) is a global fund manager and leading investor in energy infrastructure. CIP builds value that matters by developing and constructing critical infrastructure projects that shape the future of energy. Through its funds, CIP invests in power generation (solar and wind), energy storage, transmission and distribution, advanced bioenergy, low-carbon fuels and carbon capture.
With 15 funds currently under management, CIP is trusted by over 200 of the world’s largest and most sophisticated institutions, having raised EUR ~43 billion to date. CIP has projects in more than 30 countries, with presence on the ground through a network of +2,300 professionals.
For more information, visit www.cip.com
About Windlab
Windlab is an Australian renewable energy company developing, delivering and operating renewable energy projects across Australia. With more than two decades of experience, Windlab has developed a portfolio of wind, solar and energy storage projects and is focused on delivering renewable energy infrastructure that creates long-term value for landholders, communities and the energy system.
Founded on CSIRO innovation, Windlab combines technical expertise with a relationship-led approach to development, working closely with Traditional Owners, local communities and regional partners to deliver projects that respect Country, support local participation and create lasting regional benefits.
About Gawara Baya
Gawara Baya is a hybrid 408 MW onshore wind farm with a 104 MW battery energy storage system located on Gugu Badhun Country, south-west of Ingham in North Queensland.
Developed with a strong focus on responsible development, stakeholder engagement and long-term regional benefits, Gawara Baya will create 500 jobs during construction and contribute $200 million to the regional economy through local employment, procurement and investment.
The project includes Australia's first renewable energy biodiversity net-gain strategy, a voluntary, beyond-compliance commitment targeting a measurable improvement in regional biodiversity over the life of the project. The strategy is supported by an initial $4 million investment and will be delivered in partnership with Traditional Owners and regional conservation experts.
Once operational, Gawara Baya is expected to generate enough electricity to power hundreds of thousands of Queensland homes while delivering long-term benefits for landholders, local communities and the Gugu Badhun People.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACTS
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners | 0403 791 622 | erco@cip.com
Windlab | 0480 006 124 | media@windlab.com
