German-based RWE has been awarded a contract for the 1.1GW Theodore wind project in Queensland, Australia. The project is part of the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tender in which RWE joins 18 other winners in the oversubscribed allocation. The Theodore wind project is located in Central Queensland and also represents a total investment of around $2.15bn.
It is expected to include up to 170 wind turbines alongside a battery energy storage facility as noted by RWE. The company also noted the wind farm would be capable of generating enough electricity to power around 500,000 homes.
The CIS mechanism provides projects with a revenue floor and ceiling to support financing and investment in renewable energy developments. The latest tender selected 7.8 GW from wind and solar projects and hybrid installations with battery storage, exceeding the 5-GW target. There are also other wind projects that are currently being implemented in Australia such as the Robbins Island wind project. The wind farm is poised to become one of Tasmania’s largest private infrastructure developments. It is also expected to generate up to AUD 3 billion (approximately USD 1.96 billion) in investment once complete.
Outlook on the Theodore Wind Project in Queensland
RWE has noted the Theodore wind project in Queensland is located about 22km east of Theodore township. Moreover, it is 50km southwest of Biloela and 150km southwest of Gladstone in the Banana Shire local government area. The Theodore proposal secured its state development application approval in June 2025. It is currently progressing through the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation approval process.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, subject to environmental approvals and a final investment decision, the company said. They also noted the construction phase could last up to four years and require as many as 500 workers during peak activity periods.
Australia is one of RWE’s core growth markets, where the company has operated since 2013. RWE has worked on several project in Australia such as the 314-MWac Limondale Solar farm in New South Wales in 2021. Currently, it is developing a pipeline of wind, solar and battery storage projects across Australia, the company noted.
Project Factsheet:
- Project Name: Theodore Wind Project
- Location: Central Queensland, Australia
- Estimated Investment Value: $2 Billion+
- Project Type: Wind farm + battery energy storage system (BESS)
Timeline
- CIS tender award announced: 2026
- State development approval secured: June 2025
- Federal environmental approvals: Ongoing
- Construction start: Expected later in 2026
- Construction duration: Up to 4 years
Site & Scale
- Generation capacity: 1.1 GW
- Wind turbines planned: Up to 170
- Includes integrated battery storage system
- Expected to power: 500,000 homes
Project Teams
- Developer: RWE
- Government framework: Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS)
- Local authority: Banana Shire local government area
- Federal oversight: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation process
Infrastructure Scope
- Utility-scale wind farm development
- Battery energy storage integration
- Transmission and grid connection infrastructure
- Supporting roads and construction facilities
- Renewable energy export to Queensland grid
Strategic Objectives
- Expand renewable energy generation in Australia
- Support Queensland clean energy transition
- Improve grid reliability with storage integration
- Strengthen RWE’s renewable energy portfolio in Australia
Challenges
- Pending federal environmental approvals
- Also final investment decision still required
Current Status
- Contract awarded to RWE
- Also state approvals completed
- Federal approvals underway
- Construction anticipated later this year
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