Qld renewable energy plan questions and answers

SuperGrid, hydro, renewables, batteries, minerals, infrastructure blueprint, and clean energy. They are the keywords of a brave new world being described as the biggest opportunity since the Industrial Revolution. SPECIAL REPORT

Heidi Petith

@HeidiPetith

11 min read

October 23, 2023 - 5:00AM

The state government announced its flagship Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan in September last year.

Mackay

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SuperGrid, hydro, renewables, batteries, minerals, infrastructure blueprint, and clean energy.

These words have become synonymous with power generation but what do they mean for you, for Queensland’s future, and our traditional reliance on coal?

There is a lot of information to take in and little time to do it as the state government forges ahead with its ambitious Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

A spokeswoman for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni has boldly claimed the move towards a greater renewable mix presented “the biggest economic opportunity since the Industrial Revolution”.

Catch up to speed with our Q&A below.

Where did all the urgent talk about renewable energy come from?

The state government announced its flagship Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan in September last year.

The plan sets a goal to phase out a reliance on coal-fired power generation by 2035 through a mix of pumped hydro, green hydrogen, solar and wind farms, and batteries.

Connecting all of these different components will be a new SuperGrid.

“We believe (the QEJB is) the most comprehensive, accountable, realistic, transparent and effective plan for a state’s renewable energy transition not just in Australia, but quite possibly in the world,” a spokeswoman for the Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said.

How fast will Queensland transition to renewable energy?

Energy and Public Works director Paul Martyn, in speaking about hydro at Mackay’s Resources Centre of Excellence recently, said Queensland was already at a 20 per cent renewable energy mix as of 2022.
Mr Martyn said this had climbed to 26 per cent in 2023.

Energy and Public Works director Paul Martyn. Picture: David Clark

The QEJP outlines a target of 50 per cent by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032, and 80 per cent by 2035.

What is the SuperGrid and why is it ‘super’?

The SuperGrid refers to the installation of new high-voltage transmission or power lines over the next 12 years to support the state’s “energy transformation”.

The super part comes from the more than 2000km of transmission lines spread across what the state government has coined Renewable Energy Zones.

Within each zone, the SuperGrid connects the different energy projects, which are further supported by 6GW of batteries.

Where are the Renewable Energy Zones located?

The state government released its draft 2023 Queensland Renewable Energy Zone road map with consultation closed in September.

The road map outlines three overarching areas – North and Far North Queensland, Central Queensland, and Southern Queensland – which are broken down into 12 “potential” REZs.

The road map states more REZS “may be identified in future … to meet growing clean energy demand or if recommended by the REZ delivery body”.

Renewable Energy Zones across Queensland. Picture: 2023 Queensland Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap

It further details there will be three phases for declaring REZs across Queensland with large-scale energy infrastructure such as the Borumba and Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Projects to influence timing.

Phase 1 covers up to 2024, Phase 2 from 2024 to 2028, and Phase 3 from 2028 to 2035.

Already progressing REZs

Far North Queensland (southwest of Innisfail)
Southern Downs, Southern Queensland
Western Downs, Southern Queensland

Phase 1 REZs

Flinders, North and Far North Queensland
Calliope, Central Queensland
Callide, Central Queensland

Phase 2 REZs

Collinsville, North and Far North Queensland
Capricorn, Central Queensland
Woolooga, Southern Queensland
Darling Downs, Southern Queensland

Phase 3 REZs

Tarong, Southern Queensland

Where will the SuperGrid be installed?

Where the transmission lines would go, or its “pathway”, was outlined in the Queensland SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint, which was released in September, 2022.

“(It) will see the two foundational pumped hydro energy storage assets (Borumba and Pioneer-Burdekin) and areas of strong renewable energy resources connected with areas of high demand,” the spokeswoman said.

She said the new Queensland Energy System Advisory Board would “provide advice on the transformation and support biennial updates” of the Blueprint with the first update coming in 2025.

“The board will also provide annual market snapshot advice,” the spokeswoman said.

“We must remain mindful that our energy system is rapidly changing and that our pathway will need to be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure we remain on track to achieving our renewable targets and continue delivering reliable, secure and clean electricity.”

Who decides where the transmission corridors will go?

Publicly-owned Powerlink is heading the planning and assessment on construction timings and transmission corridors, via engaging with local stakeholders and landholders, traditional owners, community members and regional councils.

“In fact, Powerlink recently finalised Borumba’s 1km-wide corridor after 18 months of extensive investigation and consultation with communities in the Gympie and South Burnett Regional council areas, following release on its Draft Corridor Selection Report in April 2023,” the spokeswoman said.

The proposed locations for transmission lines for the Borumba Dam drew ire from the Gympie community.

“Community input helped to identify and address potential impacts and opportunities for coexistence between the transmission line and current land uses, and discussions with landholders resulted in realignment of sections of the final corridor, which slightly increased the overall length of the transmission line without any material change to environmental, social and economic impacts.

“Powerlink will now turn its focus to working directly with landholders to refine the final corridor down to a 70m-wide easement.

“This will involve further detailed environmental and technical studies, as well as ongoing landholder engagement.”

A similar consultation process would take place to decide the final location for transmission lines for the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro scheme.

Qld Hydro CEO says Pioneer-Burdekin dam project crucial to renewable future

Who will install the SuperGrid?

Energy and Public Works director Paul Martyn said Queensland needed more high-voltage electricians to build and operate the SuperGrid.

Mr Martyn said the state government was creating two transmission training centres, one in Gladstone and the other in Townsville, “ to train the next generation of HV transmission workers”.

“At full capacity, they‘ll be able to train 500 workers a year,” he said.

“It’s not only about new apprentices … but also about retraining other workers.”

Resources Centre of Excellence CEO Steven Boxall, Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert and Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack announcing a memorandum of understanding to upskill and train regional Queenslanders to build and operate the pumped hydro energy schemes in the Pioneer Valley, west of Mackay, and at Borumba, west of Gympie. Picture: Fiona Kroll

Why are batteries important to the SuperGrid?

The spokeswoman said batteries, firming and other storage options “will become increasingly important” to make Queensland’s renewable energy mix a “reliable system”.

“According to Accenture’s Battery industry opportunities for Queensland report, domestic battery demand will total 90GWh to 2030,” the spokeswoman said.

“Global battery demand is expected to reach 2,045GWh by 2030, nearly 11 times 2020 levels.

“And by 2030, Queensland’s battery value chain could contribute $1.3bn in Gross Value Added and create 9100 new jobs.

“The Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning is now developing a new Queensland Battery Industry Strategy to help grow Queensland’s local industry for battery minerals, chemicals and advanced manufacturing.

“This strategy – guided by expert advice from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services – is focused on growing Queensland’s role in the battery supply chain and will inform our future energy storage strategies.

Australia is an ‘interesting market’ for renewables

“To start delivering the storage required now, the Queensland Government is investing $500m for more large-scale and community batteries, and this funding is available through the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund for Queensland’s publicly owned energy businesses to invest in battery projects across the state that maximise local content.

“This will support deployment of network batteries of different scales to provide additional energy storage to store excess rooftop solar and improve network resilience.

“The $500m investment builds on the $200m already being invested by Energy Queensland for distribution scale batteries, including network and pole-mounted batteries, helping to provide reliable electricity supply.”

Are batteries dangerous and how will the state government manage this?

The spokeswoman said safety was paramount.

“While the jury is still out on which types of batteries are best for specific circumstances, recent research suggests vanadium and lithium-ion options offer varying storage capacities, battery sizes and lifespans,” the spokeswoman said.

“Lithium-ion is the most dominant technology today and it will continue to play a critical role in the future.

Fire crews were called to the Bouldercombe substation after a Tesla lithium battery caught fire in September, 2023.

“We will continue to support the research, development and testing of new technologies, such as vanadium and ion-flow batteries, to keep ahead of the game and take advantage of Queensland’s strategic advantage in the sector.

“As long as safety stacks up, it may be a matter of choosing an option that is fit for each specific purpose.”

What are the major SuperGrid projects?

In the north, CopperString 2032 will connect a minerals province to the national electricity grid via a 840km transmission line running from south of Townsville to Mount Isa, and is expected to be completed by 2029.

“It will be the largest economic development project in North Queensland and the largest expansion of the power grid in Australia,” according to the 2023 Queensland Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap.

Catch up here: $5bn Copperstring 2.0 project to create 800 jobs over six years

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and co inspect a map of the upcoming CopperString SuperGrid power transmission line, set to run from Townsville to Mount Isa.

In central Queensland, the $12bn-plusPioneer Burdekin Pumped Hydro, if approved, would store and dispatch half of the state’s energy needs with renewable energy by 2035.

And in the southern end of Queensland, the $14.2bn Borumba Pumped Hydro Scheme would transform the Mary Valley into a major hub of electricity.

Catch up here: What is pumped hydro and how will it change Borumba Dam?

How much power will be generated in each Renewable Energy Zone?

There will be an extra 22GW of energy generated via projects within the 12 REZs, ranging from between 500 to 700MW in the Far North Queensland REZ to up to 2600MW in the Southern Downs, Western Downs, and Callide REZs.

Renewable Energy Zones across Queensland and how much extra power they are anticipated to generate for the SuperGrid. Picture: Queensland SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint

How will the government pay for the Renewable Energy Zones?

The draft Queensland REZ Roadmap stated it was expected costs would be recovered on a commercial basis from REZ proponents “as part of their connection and access agreement with Powerlink, with a further decision by government on any residual costs associated with the REZ”.

Will I be compensated if transmission lines are installed on my property?

“Queensland this year announced the nation’s most generous compensation framework for landowners hosting new transmission infrastructure and it includes payments for landholders whose properties are adjacent to infrastructure – another national first,” the spokeswoman said.

“The framework – which is fair, flexible, transparent and contemporary – applies to all current and future greenfield transmission connection projects where landholder payment negotiations have not commenced.

“It bases payments on property-specific values and impacts, as opposed to using a flat rate.

“Landholders within, or partially within, a 1km radius of a final transmission easement are eligible.

“Development of the new payment framework was guided by a dedicated stakeholder reference group including Queensland Farmers Federation, LGAQ, RE-Alliance and Energy Users Association of Australia.”

Will renewable electricity make my energy bill more expensive than coal-fired power?

The state government claims its energy plan would cut power costs.

“Independent modelling … found that, even after transmission charges, household retail bills will still be an average of $150 lower in 2032, and $1495 lower for small businesses, while in 2040 households will be $10,000 better off.”

How does the state government plan to wean off coal-fired power by 2035?

The state government has committed to converting all publicly owned coal-fired power stations into “Clean Energy Hubs” by 2035.

“We won’t be closing these (coal-fired power) generators until there’s enough renewable capacity feeding into the grid to keep the lights on and our economy ticking,” the spokeswoman for Mr de Brenni said.

“We will take a sensible and sequenced, low-cost approach.

“This may include converting units into synchronous condensers, installing new clean generation and installing network-scale batteries.

The Gladstone Power Station is Queensland’s largest, employing more than 320 locals.

“It could even mean the installation of new large-scale hydrogen projects.

“Queensland’s Clean Energy Hubs will provide new economic and employment opportunities in our regions, which we acknowledge as key partners in what is, essentially, the biggest economic opportunity since the industrial revolution.”

Also: ‘Fine tuning’: Extending Queensland coal power life not ruled out

What will happen to the jobs of people working at coal-fired power stations?

“Upskilling is embedded into the culture at every one of Queensland’s publicly owned energy corporations, such is the importance of their work and the ongoing security and stability of our electricity system,” the spokeswoman said.

“The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan commits to a Job Security Guarantee for affected energy workers at publicly owned coal-fired power stations.

“This Guarantee is backed by a $150m Job Security Guarantee Fund and a landmark tripartite agreement – the Energy Workers’ Charter – and new Energy Industry Council.

Locations of coal-fired and gas-powered generators across Queensland. Picture: Queensland SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint

“Our Guarantee ensures workers at our publicly owned coal-fired power stations have choices, opportunities and pathways to continue their careers.

“Our publicly owned energy corporations have already begun a massive recruitment drive for thousands of workers to help build the SuperGrid.

“We’re also building world-class transmission and training centres in Townsville and Gladstone.”

What renewable energy projects are currently being built across Queensland?

Construction of the Chinchilla Battery (foreground) is under way, which CS Energy is adding to its Kogan Creek site on the Western Downs.

In Queensland, as of October 2023, there were more than 20 renewable energy projects under construction across solar, wind and storage.

They are:

Bribie Island Battery

Chinchilla Battery

Clarke Creek Wind and Solar Farm (Stage 1)

Dalby Hybrid Power Plant

Emerald Battery

Gladstone South Battery

Gordonvale Battery

Howard Battery

Kewarra Battery

Kidston Pumped Storage Project

Kingaroy Solar Farm

MacIntyre Wind Farm (Stage 1 and 2)

Marian South Battery

Mica Creek Solar Farm (Stage 1 and 2)

Morayfield Battery

Mundubbera Battery

Raby Bay Battery

Rasmussen Battery

Torrington Battery

Wambo Wind Farm (Stage 1)

Western Downs Green Power Hub

207 metre tall wind turbine erected in Queensland

Watch above: A 207m tall wind turbine is installed at the new Clarke Creek Wind Farm.

What renewable energy projects are proposed across Queensland?

https://electricity-generation-map.epw.qld.gov.au/

As of October 2023, there were more than 170 proposed renewable energy projects across Queensland including solar, hydro, wind, bioenergy, battery storage, pumped hydro, and solar thermal.

Some have attracted fierce opposition such as the Smokey Creek solar farm proposal with farmers arguing it will have enormous impacts on surrounding agriculture.

Central Queensland