Coal Giant Announces Shift to Clean Energy
16 November 2022: Coal Giant Announces Shift to Clean Energy
Solar Citizens today welcomes the announcement that Anglo American, Australia’s second largest metallurgical coal miner, will power their Australian operations with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025 following a power purchase agreement with Queensland’s Stanwell Corporation.
“Today’s announcement by Anglo American is another example of large energy users and businesses turning to renewable energy in droves to cut their power bills and remain globally competitive,” said Stephanie Gray, Deputy Director of Solar Citizens.
“Earlier this year we saw Queensland’s largest energy user, Rio Tinto, call out for proposals to support 4,000 MW of new renewable energy generation to power their smelter and refineries. And just this week Fortescue Future Industries announced a partnership with Windlab to develop the North Queensland Super Hub that will eventually host 10,000 MW of clean energy projects.
“There’s currently only about 3,000 MW of large-scale solar and wind power operating in Queensland’s grid so these proposals represent a huge step up for the Sunshine State.
“The Queensland Government’s adoption of a more ambitious renewable energy target, alongside investment in grid infrastructure, is helping to underpin these announcements and drive more regional economic activity.
“But the scale and speed of the announcements we’re seeing from industry and business goes even further than the State Government’s plans, so they have a task ahead of them to keep up with demand.
“A total of 3,800 MW of new large-scale renewable energy is likely to come online in Queensland by 2025. But we’re going to need a lot more renewable energy connecting to the grid over the next few years to help drive down power bills for Queenslanders while meeting the needs of the business sector.”
[ENDS]
Media contact: Stephanie Gray 0425543006
