The QLD Government’s 2021-22 Budget has committed $2 billion to renewable energy projects and network upgrades, in a bid to deliver reliable and affordable power to QLD residents – alongside other energy investments.
Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni, said the investment in the state’s publicly-owned energy assets will further cement Queensland’s status as a renewables powerhouse.
“Cheaper, cleaner energy is what Queenslanders need to get ahead as we continue our focus on the post-COVID economic recovery,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Investing in our electricity poles, wires and generators in a way that will set us up for the future will bring jobs during construction and pave the way for growth in our manufacturing and resources sectors.
“To support the continued uptake of renewables, this Budget delivers on a number of large-scale storage commitments, like our $22 million design and cost analysis for pumped hydro at Borumba Dam.”
The Budget also features $39.9 million for Energy Queensland’s grid-connected battery storage systems in Townsville, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Toowoomba, Mr deBrenni said.
Mr de Brenni said on top of this capital investment, the $2 billion Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund would drive local supply chains and advanced manufacturing jobs.
“We have the skills and workforce to manufacture the components and new technology Queensland needs to meet our renewable energy target,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Solar panels, electrolysers, wind turbines and batteries should be manufactured here in Queensland.”
Mr de Brenni said a further $222 million would be invested in publicly-owned clean energy operator CleanCo to help drive the state’s renewable energy growth.
“This includes $144.9 million in 2021-22 for the Karara Wind Farm and $24.6 million to develop the Kogan North Gas Fields,” Mr deBrenni said.
“We’re unlocking the Northern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone with a $40 million investment in transmission infrastructure, with Powerlink’s high-voltage transmission system to benefit from a $239.5 million boost.”
“The Palaszczuk Government will use this Budget to deliver the investment our publicly-owned energy companies need to support our 9,500-strong energy workforce, supercharge job-creation and put Queensland jobs front and centre of the renewables revolution.”
Key Energy investments
- $24.6 million to develop the Kogan North Gas Fields
- $2 billion to renewable energy projects and network upgrades
- Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund will be established to expand on the previous $500 million Renewable Energy Fund. The Fund will enable investments by Queensland’s government-owned energy businesses in commercial renewable energy and hydrogen projects
- $39.9 million for Energy Queensland’s grid-connected battery energy storage systems in Townsville, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Toowoomba
- $222 million to be invested in publicly-owned clean energy operator CleanCo
- $144.9 million in 2021-22 for the Karara Wind Farm
- $40 million investment in transmission infrastructure
- $239.5 million boost for Powerlink’s high voltage transmission system
- $2 million has been added to the overall contribution of $20 million, for the completion of the Hydrogen Training Centre of Excellence at QLD Apprenticeship Centre, Beenleigh
