Unprecedented renewables investment Powering North Queensland
18 September 2017
North Queensland's
renewable
energy sector is booming with $5 billion in projects currently in the
pipeline to create more than 5,000 Megawatts of
electricity and support
3,200 jobs.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this morning told Queensland Parliament
that the Australian Solar Council and Battery Storage Council estimates
represented a vote of confidence in
Queensland and her government's
policies, which are facilitating unprecedented renewable investment in
Queensland.
"From the 5 Megawatt Scouller Energy
solar farm near Normanton, to the
180 Megawatt Mt Emerald
Wind Farm and the 250 Megawatt Genex Kidston
Pumped Hydro project, these projects represent an extraordinary amount
of investment in an industry that barely existed two and a half years
ago," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"They also represent an extraordinary vote of confidence in my
government’s policies, including our commitment to a 50% renewable
energy target by 2030.
"Through our $386 million Powering North Queensland Plan, we are also
committed to working closely with industry to develop new projects that
mean more jobs, more energy production and more downward pressure on
electricity bills.
"The Plan will reinvest $150 million in dividends from our electricity
assets – which we own – to build the transmission
infrastructure necessary to connect these renewable projects to the
grid."
The Premier said the Powering North Queensland Plan also included:
-
a $100 million reinvestment of Stanwell dividends to help fund the proposed hydro-electric power station at Burdekin Falls Dam, supporting up to 200 jobs; and
-
a further $100 million equity injection and reinvestment of dividends to ensure that the Burdekin Falls Dam continues to meet design standards, also supporting the proposed hydro-electric power station.
"The injection of investment and
jobs in renewable energy across this state is almost exclusively devoted
to regional and rural areas where additional economic activity is
amplified," the Premier said.
"The investment ensures we can offer secure and affordable electricity
for Queensland homes and Queensland businesses far into the future."
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact: Michelle Wellington 0437 323 834
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