The Theodore Wind Farm is an onshore wind project proposed by RWE Renewables Australia, a subsidiary of RWE, in Queensland, Australia.
With a planned installed capacity of approximately 1GW, the project is expected to support Queensland’s energy transition by supplying electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of around 500,000 households.
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Development Approval was granted by the Queensland Government’s State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) in June 2025. The project contributes to the state’s 2032 renewable energy target of 70% and forms part of RWE’s broader strategy to expand its Australian portfolio.
Project Location
The project is located in Banana Shire, Central Queensland, approximately 22km east of the town of Theodore. The site was selected based on its wind resource profile, land use compatibility, and proximity to existing grid infrastructure.
The project’s connection to the National Electricity Market will be facilitated through a new 275kV double-circuit transmission line extending approximately 55km to Powerlink Queensland’s Mount Benn substation, situated near the town of Banana.
Financing and Ownership
The Theodore Wind Farm is fully owned and financed by RWE Renewables Australia. The project is part of the company’s capital investment programme in the Asia-Pacific region.
Capacity and Infrastructure
The proposed wind farm will comprise up to 170 turbines, with the final configuration to be confirmed during the detailed design stage.
The project will also incorporate an on-site battery energy storage system (BESS), intended to enhance grid support and flexibility. Associated infrastructure will include access roads, substations, meteorological masts, and operation and maintenance facilities.
RWE has confirmed that the final land footprint will be limited to a small proportion of the overall project area, with siting optimised to balance energy yield, landowner interests, and environmental considerations.
The associated transmission infrastructure will be delivered by Powerlink Queensland. This includes the development of a new high-voltage transmission line and supporting easements, enabling integration of the project into Queensland’s electricity network.
Theodore Wind Farm Development and Timeline
Following preliminary feasibility assessments, environmental studies, and stakeholder consultation, the project received state-level planning approval in June 2025.
It is currently progressing through environmental assessment under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
The project has also been listed on the Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Priority List, which supports streamlined regulatory coordination between state and federal processes.
In parallel, Powerlink Queensland initiated community consultation in late 2024 for the transmission corridor. A draft route was presented for feedback and finalised in early 2025. Technical assessments, environmental approvals, and detailed route design are ongoing.
Subject to receipt of all required approvals, construction of both the wind farm and connection infrastructure is expected to commence from 2026, with progressive commissioning beginning as early as 2027. Full commercial operation is targeted by 2029.
Technological Details
The wind farm will utilise utility-scale wind turbines selected to match the site’s wind conditions and maximise generation efficiency. Although turbine models and manufacturers have not yet been confirmed, the project will include contemporary design specifications for hub height and rotor diameter consistent with modern onshore wind installations.
An integrated battery energy storage system will also be deployed on-site. This infrastructure is intended to support the dispatch of renewable generation during peak demand periods and provide ancillary services to the grid.
Contractors and Suppliers
RWE Renewables Australia is the sole project proponent and developer. The company is responsible for project delivery, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with environmental and planning requirements.
Powerlink Queensland has been engaged to lead the planning, development, and delivery of the network connection component. The process includes route selection, design, environmental assessment, landholder liaison, and construction of the transmission infrastructure.
