Queensland ready to support an accelerated clean energy transition

• Palaszczuk Government welcomes supercharged Capacity Investment Scheme to drive new clean energy generation and storage.
• Queensland’s publicly owned energy companies poised to ratchet up and identify more than 1.5GW of dispatchable energy storage projects following the Federal announcement.
• Queensland generation pipeline stands ready to participate, with over 60GW of proposals now available for consideration in the new scheme.
• Queensland key location for acceleration with renewable generation increasing by 20% in 1 year, up 250% since 2015.

The Palaszczuk Government has today welcomed the Albanese Labor Government’s landmark announcement to drive new clean energy generation and storage, with the initiative set to accelerate the transition.

Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan is already providing a clear framework to support swift deployment of new dispatchable power, including through the development of Clean Energy Hubs at existing power stations, enabling speed of approvals, construction and connection.

The renewable generation pipeline in Queensland already stands at over 60GW, and as a result of the Albanese Government’s announcement, an additional 1.5GW of dispatchable storage could be identified almost immediately through Queensland’s publicly owned energy corporations.

Queensland stands ready to partner with the Albanese Government, to accelerate growth in new industries and create more jobs, with manufacturing and regional Queensland set to be the being winners.

In contrast to the previous Federal LNP Government, who focussed their attention predominantly on prolonging the use of fossil fuels, the Albanese Labor Government is working in collaboration with the Palaszczuk Government to help decarbonise our industries and energy system.

Quotes attributable to Energy and Public Works Minister, Mick de Brenni:

“Today’s announcement by the Albanese Labor Government means now Australia can make more real progress on developing low emissions industry, driving jobs growth and investment – and Queensland is here to help.

“I have already been informed by Queensland’s publicly owned energy companies, that the expanded Capacity Investment Scheme could now enable us to swiftly bring on additional projects, including an estimated 1.5GW of extra battery storage, on top of the existing pipeline.

“Today, the world’s most respected renewable energy investors are knocking on our door to work with us and partner with us on a 22GW generation and 13GW storage and firming pipeline for system transition, and that’s because we have the policies and institutions right.

“We believe that working alongside and with the support of the Federal Government, Queensland can do even more to help the nation achieve its decarbonisation ambitions.

“I look forward to supporting Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen to make this initiative a huge success, and our message is Queensland is ready, willing and able to play its part – let’s work together and get the job done.”