Calls for a More Ambitious Queensland Renewables Target as State set to Beat 50% Goal 5 Years Early
9 March 2022: Calls for a More Ambitious Queensland Renewables Target as State set to Beat 50% Goal 5 Years Early
New analysis has found that Queensland’s accelerating renewable energy pipeline is on track to supply 50 per cent of the State’s electricity demand by 2025, five years ahead of the State Government target.
The report, from the Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) and Solar Citizens, found that Queensland will reach its 50 per cent Renewable Energy Target five years early once an impressive 5,100 MW pipeline of large-scale solar and wind projects connects to the grid and the State Government has allocated their announced $2 billion clean energy fund.
“There are several big solar and wind farms under construction or looking very likely to proceed to construction soon. Our analysis shows that, combined with continued growth of rooftop solar, these projects would get Queensland to almost 45 per cent renewable by 2025,” said Clare Silcock, Energy Strategist at QCC.
“In addition the Queensland government is sitting on a $2 billion Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund they announced last year. If that was allocated to renewable energy projects today Queensland could easily reach the 50 per cent Renewable Energy Target by 2025.”
“Our findings make it clear the Queensland Government must expand their renewable target to avoid setting a limit on renewable investment. If the State Government only wants to achieve 50 per cent renewables by 2030 it will mean private investment in solar and wind will have to stall after 2025.”
The Queensland Government is currently developing a 10-Year Energy Plan. The Plan is expected to be released this year and will shape Queensland’s electricity system in the 10 years up to 2032 when Brisbane will host the world’s first climate positive Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The Palaszczuk government has certainly stepped up their ambition on renewable energy since the last election and this is good news for Queenslanders and their hip pockets. Unfortunately, every other Australian state is still outcompeting the Sunshine State when it comes to leading the rollout of affordable renewable energy,” said Ellen Roberts, National Director of Solar Citizens.
“If Palaszczuk wants a thriving renewable hydrogen industry then Queensland will need to start catching up to the other States.
“It would be a missed opportunity if the 10-Year Energy Plan limits Queensland to a 50 per cent target because it will mean we’ll miss out on new clean manufacturing opportunities in renewable hydrogen, solar panel and battery storage production. Queensland’s lack of ambition will mean we miss out on future-proof regional jobs.
“That’s why we’re calling on the Queensland Government to match the clean energy ambition we’re seeing elsewhere in Australia and aim to repower our entire system with renewables by 2030.”
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Media contacts:
Clare Silcock 0481 055 531
Ellen Roberts 0408 583 694
