The Queensland Government has unveiled its Energy Roadmap in a bid to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for Queenslanders.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy, David Janetzki said the Energy Roadmap was based on economics and engineering, not ideology.
“Our Energy Roadmap delivers what Queenslanders need, which is affordable and reliable energy that enhances their quality of life, fuels economic growth, and ensures long-term sustainability, all while ensuring our state is an attractive destination for private sector capital and creating jobs,” Mr Janetzki said.
“Labor’s energy plan lacked credibility, was undeliverable and would have resulted in Queensland households paying thousands more on top of their energy bills.”
It also reduces energy system costs for taxpayers by $26 billion to 2035, preventing the average Queensland household paying an extra $1,035 a year that they would have paid under Labor, the Treasurer said.
The Roadmap includes:
- $400 million Queensland Energy Investment Fund and Queensland Investment Corporation’s new Investor Gateway to drive private sector investment in new energy generation and firming projects.
- $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee to improve our current energy assets.
- Clear decision-making framework for the operation of state-owned coal assets, balancing system needs, asset integrity, and economic viability.
- A tender for 400MW of new gas-fired generation in Central Queensland.
- Consolidated management of future pumped hydro proposals by QIC to provide a consistent approach to assessment and investment.
- New $10 million investment into community level batteries for greater solar storage and to help manage minimum system load.
- Construction of the Eastern Link of the CopperString transmission line in North Queensland and beginning of work on the Western Link.
- Establishment of Regional Energy Hubs to put downward pressure on development costs.
- Development of a new code of conduct for renewable energy developers to guide responsible behaviour and set community expectations.
“Queensland’s coal-fired fleet is the youngest in the country and state-owned coal generators will continue to operate for as long as they are needed in the system and supported by the market,” Mr Janetzki said.
“This is an economic solution that places downward pressure on prices for households, businesses, and industry, while ensuring developers have the confidence to plan for the future.
“We’re laying the groundwork for private capital to flow into new energy infrastructure, unlocking economic growth and ensuring Queensland remains competitive in an evolving energy market.”
To view the 56-page roadmap, visit www.treasury.qld.gov.au/energy-roadmap.
