Rio Tinto’s Renewables Shift Signals Need for More Grid Support
9 June 2022: Rio Tinto’s Renewables Shift Signals Need for More Grid Support
Solar Citizens today welcomes Rio Tinto’s calls for 4000 MW of renewable energy to be developed in Queensland to power its local smelter and refineries. However, the community groups says Queensland needs more grid infrastructure to support the scale of clean energy development anticipated in Central and Northern Queensland.
“Today’s announcement by Rio Tinto demonstrates the scale and speed of change that’s underway in our energy system. Large energy users and businesses are turning to renewable energy in droves to cut their power bills and remain globally competitive,” said Stephanie Gray, Deputy Director of Solar Citizens.
“Unfortunately, in Central and Northern Queensland there’s currently a cap on how much clean energy can be developed locally because there’s a dire need to upgrade grid infrastructure.
“In both Central and North Queensland there are significant proposals on the table to develop renewable hydrogen facilities that will require many more solar and wind projects to connect locally.
“Queensland was overlooked by the last Australian Government and we didn’t get grid infrastructure and clean energy funding like other states. That’s got to change under the new Labor Government.
“The new Albanese Government has pledged $20 billion to help finance additional grid infrastructure. We’re calling on them to work with the Queensland Government to fast-track the development of grid upgrades around Gladstone while ensuring appropriate community consultation.
“These vital grid upgrades will allow for more local solar, wind and storage to connect to the grid to affordability power new and existing manufacturing proposals in Central and North Queensland.”
Media contact: Stephanie Gray 0425543006
