Secure, reliable supply a priority for Queensland’s energy future

The Palaszczuk Government has welcomed public consultation on proposed reforms to the National Electricity Market, which will help shape the future of Queensland’s energy supply.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the Energy Security Board’s (ESB) suite of potential reform pathways provides an important opportunity for the Palaszczuk Government to future-proof Queensland’s energy supply and workforce.

“We know Queensland is blessed with a reliable mix of renewables and more traditional forms of electricity generation which, combined with a robust publicly-owned distribution network, powers our communities, our industries and our neighbouring states,” Mr de Brenni said.

“I am keen to hear what energy sector participants have to say on these important proposals, which will be considered by the Energy National Cabinet Reform Committee in coming months.

“A critical element of the ESB paper is the reform of essential system services, which means that our current thermal generators could be transformed to help stabilise intermittent renewable energy.

“This will keep the lights on during peak usage, while ensuring the ongoing livelihoods of generation workers and the communities in which they live.

“Queensland needs significantly more generation to meet our aspirations for growth of our manufacturing and resources sectors, and our publicly-owned assets will play a key role in Queensland’s future energy mix. There are no plans to decommission any of our generation assets in Queensland ahead of their time.”

Mr de Brenni said owning major power assets provides the Palaszczuk Government with real options to shape the future look of the state’s grid as Queensland works to meet its 50 percent renewable energy target by 2030.

“This public ownership also gives us extra ability to provide the National Electricity Market with an ongoing supply of cheap and reliable power while supporting essential regional jobs,” he said.

“We’ve also committed to unlocking three Renewable Energy Zones and to build the associated transmission infrastructure to support investment and renewable development in North, Central and Southern Queensland.  

“An affordable and reliable energy supply is crucial to a post-COVID economic recovery, and we’ll continue to be guided by the Energy Security Board in our future energy economy.”

For more information, visit https://energyministers.gov.au/publications/post-2025-market-design-options-%E2%80%93-consultation.

Media contact: Ben Brew 0468 839 551