Renewable energy investment and job boom looms for Queensland

Almost $2.5 billion in renewable energy projects have been proposed across regional Queensland in response to the Palaszczuk Government’s energy policies.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her Government had pledged to increase renewables’ share of the Queensland energy mix, to reduce emissions, boost jobs and regional development.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response from the private sector. We are working with proponents of 17 projects, offering an additional 1000MW of installed energy generation valued at $2.4 billion and offering up to 2300 jobs during construction,” she said.

“These projects are spread across the State and from a range of technologies including solar, wind and biomass.

“Renewable energy stalled under the LNP. Investment dried up and jobs were lost.

“We have opened the door to new investment and employment in regional Queensland by embracing renewables.”

The Government has partnered with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to secure 60MW of large-scale solar projects, while Ergon Energy has sought expressions for another 150MW. Decisions on the successful shortlisted projects are due by the end of this financial year.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey said the 17 shortlisted projects meant Queensland could contribute toward the national Renewable Energy Target through local projects.

“In the past, Queensland’s Renewable Energy Target liability was mostly met on the spot market. It meant rather than support homegrown solar and wind projects, we have been propping up wind farms in southern Australia,” he said.

“Queensland has good renewable resources and a proactive Government wanting to harness it.”

Mr Bailey said the construction and operation of large-scale renewable energy projects would encourage local and international investment, create jobs and help combat climate change by lowering carbon emissions.

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