Clean energy future for Central Queensland

Published Wednesday, 09 February, 2022 at 04:29 PM

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics Infrastructure
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

Central Queensland is another step closer to becoming a renewable energy powerhouse with producer ACCIONA Energía signing the Central Queensland Statement of Cooperation today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said four companies - Rio Tinto Australia, Alpha HPA, Orica and ACCIONA - had now signed the Statement of Cooperation to work with the state government to ensure Queensland can benefit from the global shift towards decarbonisation.

“The world is starting to realise the natural advantage Queensland has in renewable energy and manufacturing and that we are ready for renewable investment right now,” Mr Miles said.

“We are working with industry to unlock more opportunities for Queensland to decarbonise and create jobs, starting in Central Queensland.

“The Statement of Cooperation outlines our commitment to making Central Queensland a renewable energy powerhouse.”

“We are bringing together key players in the region to leverage our traditional strengths and build a state that will thrive in the global transformations ahead.

“This means more opportunities for the region and more jobs for Queenslanders.”

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the government is well on its way to achieving its Queensland Renewable Energy Target by 2030.

“Late last year we saw ACCIONA Energía sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding with the Stanwell Corporation to power Stanwell’s hydrogen facility with ACCIONA Energía’s renewable energy,” Mr de Brenni said.

“There’s a massive growth in demand for renewable energy and this Statement will ensure Central Queensland becomes one of the first regions in the world to benefit from that.”

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said this was fantastic news for the region.

“Central Queensland has clearly established itself in the renewables space and it’s great to have our region looked at on a global stage as the place to invest,” Mr Butcher said.

“Renewable energy, hydrogen, and green manufacturing are at the core of our $3.34 billion Queensland Jobs Fund, and these partnerships are a direct result of this government’s commitment to job creation and regional development.”

ACCIONA Global Chairman and CEO José Manuel Entrecanales said that Queensland was leading the way in delivering globally competitive energy solutions.

“Through renewable energy infrastructure commitments and the green hydrogen opportunities being developed, Queensland is demonstrating that renewable energy can deliver a sustainable zero net emissions industrial and manufacturing powerhouse,” said Mr Entrecanales.

ACCIONA Energía Managing Director Brett Wickham said Central Queensland was a region of great potential for renewable energy.

“Central Queensland has enormous opportunities for renewable energy to create new jobs in the region and can supercharge the area’s economic growth,” said Mr Wickham.

“Between our MOU with Stanwell Corporation and signing the Statement of Cooperation we have made a strategic long-term commitment to the future of Central Queensland.”

The Statement of Cooperation will secure the future competitiveness of Queensland, adding value to a natural energy advantage to drive employment and economic outcomes for the State by focussing on three areas:

  • committing to industry by establishing certainty for current industry and growing demand
  • delivering a globally competitive energy solution that is centred around firmed, low-carbon electricity for industry.
  • growing the industries of the future in Central Queensland by creating an enabling regulatory environment, strengthening regional skills and employment to lower capital intensity, and planning for the infrastructure to enable industry development.

Mr Miles said seeing additional signatories joining the statement would translate into more value for Queenslanders.

“Our ambitious target to get to net zero emissions by 2050 is creating huge opportunities with more jobs in more industries right along the renewable energy supply chain.”

Read more about Queensland’s Hydrogen Strategy and the $3.34 billion Queensland Jobs Fund.

Photo's of the signing are available for download here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hzxmlaeepyh2yjr/AABgBwhQ14OsXb60GU2Le8P_a?dl=0

Photo 1 (from left to right):

  • Dmitry Danilovich – General Manager Development Acciona
  • Brett Wickham – Managing Director Acciona
  • Bede Noonan – CEO Acciona Geotech
  • Steven Miles, Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development
  • Jose Manuel Entrecanales – Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Acciona
  • Emma  Reiners – General Manager Brand & Marking Acciona

ENDS

Media contact:           Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484