Rio Tinto has signed Australia’s largest renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) to supply its Gladstone operations in Queensland, agreeing to buy the majority of electricity from Windlab’s planned 1.4 GW Bungaban wind energy project.

Windlab will construct and run the project, which is still in its early stages, at a location in Queensland that is about 40 kilometers from Wandoan and 290 kilometers southwest of Gladstone.

Once approved, construction of the Bungaban project will commence in late 2025 and is expected to produce electricity by 2029, employ up to 600 people during construction, and support up to 30 permanent jobs when operating.

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The Bungaban PPA heralds a significant infusion of renewable energy into one of Australia’s pivotal industrial hubs and signifies another stride in Rio Tinto's pursuit of its climate objectives.

Rio Tinto's Chief Executive, Jakob Stausholm, remarked, "This partnership with Windlab bolsters our efforts to revitalize our Gladstone operations, fostering a sustainable future for heavy industry in Central Queensland.".

Details About the PPA

Under the new PPA with Windlab, Rio Tinto will buy 80% of all power generated from the Bungaban wind energy project over the next 25 years. The remaining 20% of the project’s generated electricity will supply Australia’s National Electricity Market, delivering clean electricity to homes and businesses. 

The PPA is the second renewable power deal signed for Rio Tinto’s Gladstone operations, after the recent agreement signed with European Energy for the development of the 1.1 GW Upper Calliope solar farm.

Once developed, the combined 2.2 GW of renewable PPAs with Windlab and European Energy have the potential to lower carbon emissions by about 5 million metric tons per year and could generate the equivalent of 10% of Queensland’s current power demand.

About Bungaban Wind Energy Project

The Bungaban Wind Energy Project is a large-scale wind farm in the early stages of development, located in South Queensland, Australia. The project is part of the larger South Queensland Renewable Generation Hub, which also includes planned solar and battery energy storage projects.

About Upper Calliope Solar Farm

The Upper Calliope Solar Farm is a large-scale solar power project currently under development in Queensland, Australia. It is planned to be the largest solar farm in Australia, with a capacity of 1.1 gigawatts (GW). European Energy is developing the project, and it should be operational in 2026.

• Location: Approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Gladstone, Queensland.


• Size: 2,400 hectares (6,000 acres).


• Capacity: 1.1 GW.


• Developer: European Energy.

About Rio Tinto 

Rio Tinto Group is a British-Australian multinational metals and mining corporation. It is the world's second-largest metals and mining corporation, behind BHP. Founded in 1873, the company has grown through a long series of mergers and acquisitions. Today, it has operations in 35 countries and employs over 80,000 people. 

About Windlab

Windlab is a 100% Australian-owned, fully integrated, end-to-end renewable energy developer and operator. Founded in 2003, the company is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, with offices across the country. Windlab is a leader in the renewable energy sector, with a strong track record of developing, constructing, and operating high-performing wind and solar farms. To find out more details about upcoming and ongoing projects developed by Windlab, explore our global renewable energy database.

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