The Queensland Government welcomed the Federal 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 Federal 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.
Energy and public works minister, Mick de Brenni, said, “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.”
In contrast to the previous Federal LNP Government, who focussed their attention predominantly on prolonging the use of fossil fuels, the Federal Government is working in collaboration with the Queensland Government to help decarbonise industries and energy system.