Queensland Energy Minister and Treasurer David Janetzki has seriously let down Queenslanders and betrayed the state’s reputation as a global leader in rooftop solar, with an Energy Roadmap that won’t take Queenslanders to a cheaper, cleaner, energy secure future.
The Energy Roadmap announced by Minister Janetzki today includes some recognition of the role of consumer energy resources like rooftop solar and home batteries but falls far short of the robust energy plan Queenslanders need to secure their energy future.
Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Lee Douglas said:
“Unfortunately this is a Roadmap to nowhere, that will hold Queensland back and tied to dirty inefficient coal power and gas for far too long.
“This roadmap to a costly, polluting future ignores the proven leader in delivering cheap, clean and reliable energy - rooftop solar backed by home battery storage.
“The new Energy Plan misses key opportunities already embraced by Queenslanders - who have the highest number of rooftop solar installations in the country. (1)
“The Energy Plan has given a nod to the importance of solar and batteries, with $10 million in community batteries and $26.3 million in rebates up to $3,500 per property for 6,500 rental properties in the Supercharged Solar for Renters program. This scheme will only reach between 1-2% of Queensland’s renters. Solar Citizens recommends more funding be committed to reach a target of at least 30% of rental homes by 2030.
“We’re very concerned that this will lead to a widening inequality gap between solar households enjoying cheap, clean energy and locked out households who will be forced to pay more for expensive coal and gas electricity.
“There is no mention of creating a specific Consumer Energy Resources Strategy, like the NSW, Western Australian and Federal governments have delivered, to support the expansion of rooftop solar, home batteries, virtual power plants and electric vehicle (EV) uptake - for all households including those currently locked out.
“It’s disappointing that the Energy Roadmap lacks any consideration for apartment and strata residents, noting that Queensland is one of the only states that has not implemented a Solar for Apartments rebate scheme.
“Queensland could triple rooftop solar from 3.96 to 12.5GW if access were extended to all houses and apartments including rental and social housing. (2)
“About half of Queenslanders are missing out on access to cheap, clean rooftop solar and batteries and the cost savings enjoyed by solar households.
A truly effective blueprint to secure the state’s energy future would include:
- A Consumer Energy Resources Strategy with clear uptake targets with dedicated funding, including rooftop solar on 30% of rental homes, apartments and social housing properties by 2030.
- Expanding support for renters, apartment residents and social housing tenants with fair renter protections, strata law reform and minimum energy efficiency standards.
- Establishing Urban Renewable Energy Zone (UREZ) pilots in towns and cities so apartment residents and renters can share solar from nearby commercial and industrial rooftops.
- Unlocking Queensland’s commercial and industrial solar potential with subsidies, loans and stronger building standards.
- Prioritising electrification of homes and businesses over new gas. Gas drives up bills and emissions, while solar and batteries drive them down.
These measures would provide a long term solution to cut household bills, strengthen resilience in the face of extreme weather, and keep Queensland’s reputation as a global solar leader.
There is nothing reliable, sustainable or affordable about continuing Queensland’s dependence on ageing coal power and extending reliance on expensive gas.
NOTES
[1] Clean Energy Regulator Small-Schale Installation Post-code Data, 12/9/2025
(2) ‘Dehghanimadvar M, Roberts M, Bruce A, Egan R, Rooftop solar potential of Australian housing stock by tenure and dwelling type (2024). Solar Citizens / APVI.’