State Gov signs with four companies to deliver CQ renewable powerhouse

The Queensland Government has signed a statement of co-operation with energy companies as part of its push to decarbonise the state, with ambitions to transform Central Queensland into a renewable energy powerhouse.

The Queensland Government has signed a statement of co-operation with four energy companies as part of their push to decarbonise the state, with ambitions to transform Central Queensland into a renewable energy powerhouse.

Rio Tinto Australia, Alpha HPA, Orica and ACCIONA have all signed the Central Queensland Statement of Cooperation with the state government to advance the region’s benefit from global decarbonisation.

This comes after ACCIONA Energía signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Stanwell Corporation to supply energy form ACCIONA’s Aldoga Solar Farm directly to Stanwell’s proposed hydrogen plant.

“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,” Deputy Premier Steven 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.”

The Statement focuses on:

• 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.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni claimed the government was on its way to achieving its 2030 emissions targets.

“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,” Mr de Brenni said.

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said renewable energy, hydrogen and green manufacturing were at the core of the government’s $3.34 billion Queensland Jobs Fund.

ACCIONA managing director Brett Wickham said Central Queensland was a region of great potential for renewable energy.

“The highly skilled workforce already in the area and the designated Renewable Energy Zone make Central Queensland a desirable place to invest and do business,” Mr Wickham said.

“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.”

ACCIONA Global chairman and CEO José Manuel Entrecanales said Queensland was demonstrating that renewable energy could deliver a sustainable zero net emissions industrial and manufacturing powerhouse.