The Clean Energy Council, Australia's premier industry body for the renewable energy sector, has urged Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli to guarantee maximum certainty for the Sunshine State's nation-leading renewables rollout.
Clean Energy Council Regional Director of Policy & Impact - Queensland, Tracey Stinson, said that the state's clean energy transformation is an opportunity unlike any other to address key challenges facing the electorate, including cost of living pressures and climate change.
Queenslanders are looking for sensible, long-term vision from the next government on lowering power bills, keeping the lights on as coal is phased out and protecting the environment that they rely on and cherish. Renewable energy is the most effective tool at our disposal to do it all.Tracey Stinson Clean Energy Council Regional Director of Policy & Impact
"With some of the world's best renewable energy resources, including abundant sunlight, wind and landmass, Queensland's inherent competitive advantages are undeniable," she said.
"It makes the best economic, environmental and business sense possible to support this once-in-a-century transformation.
“We cannot afford to turn away at this critical juncture and take a chance on any solutions that aren't fit for purpose in the same way that renewables firmed by storage, are.
"The Clean Energy Council stands ready to work with whomever wins government, to ensure that the certainty needed by investors, industry and most importantly, customers, is delivered."
The Sunshine State's progress towards legislated targets of 70 per cent renewables by 2032 and net zero emissions by 2030 are well on track, as 66 projects generating approximately 5 GW of electricity are providing 30 per dent of demand, with a further 57 projects under construction or in advanced planning.
Over 1 million homes across Queensland have installed rooftop solar as of 2024, making it the first state to achieve this milestone, as households and businesses look to lower their electricity bills and take greater control of their energy consumption.
Investment in pumped hydro as a form of long-duration energy storage to complement large-scale batteries in firming renewable generation has also grown in recent years. Queensland's Borumba and Pioneer Burdekin pumped hydro projects are slated to reduce a combined 11 million tonnes of CO2 annually, once operational.
"No matter who wins the next election, the challenges and opportunities of Queensland's energy transition are set out ahead of us," Stinson said.
"It is incumbent on both parties to articulate clearly how they will support and build on the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan to overcome these challenges and leverage these opportunities to build a better future."
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Liam Straughan
Clean Energy Council Media Officer
+61 409 470 683