Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has acquired the Gawara Baya wind and battery project in North Queensland, taking 100% ownership from Windlab and moving swiftly toward construction.

Gawara Baya marks CIP’s growing footprint in Australia, aligning with other regional activity and upcoming projects like Star of the South offshore wind.

The 408 MW wind farm includes a 104 MW grid-forming battery and, after optimization, will fit on a small footprint with up to 69 turbines and roughly 0.3% of the cattle property surface used.

The project has navigated challenges, including the loss of a 2023 Apple PPA and a biodiversity-related court case resolved in 2025 in favor of the project.

2026 approvals for wind projects have been rare, signaling a slow restart for the sector beyond Gawara Baya.

Experts warn that current deployment pace falls short of Australia’s 2030 target for a largely green grid, needing about 8–9 GW of new solar and wind annually versus historical starts of 3–4 GW.

Rising costs across materials, labor, financing, and permitting, plus transmission delays and local opposition, continue to pressure wind project timelines and economics.

The $1.7 billion project is Australia’s largest wind farm approval in over two years, underscoring a financing refresh for wind development.

Design refinements reduced land footprint by over 50%, preserving about 98% of habitat while enabling 69 turbines and a compact operational area of around 148 hectares.

Gawara Baya is set to power up to 240,000 homes and has secured the major approvals needed to begin construction.

Federal Energy Minister highlighted the Capacity Investment Scheme’s role, noting the Gawara Baya approval demonstrates its potential to diversify the grid and lower bills.

Industry commentary frames the deal as confidence in patient private capital and responsible development, with Windlab emphasizing community and environmental stewardship.