Queensland's Big Energy Build

Queensland's clean energy transition is presenting opportunities at every corner for business, industry and workers as we move towards 70% renewable energy by 2032.

Last week we took massive strides towards our goal of turning the sunshine state into a clean energy superpower.

The World's Best Batteries

Queensland has some of the best sunshine and wind resources in the world, and we're harnessing these abundant resources with renewable energy projects all across the state.

More than 40% of Queensland homes are already hosting rooftop solar, with a new system being installed every 10 minutes.

But you can't have a clean energy transition without battery storage to soak up the clean, cheap renewable energy during the day.

World-leading battery technologies are currently being developed right here in Queensland:

Redflow is manufacturing the world's smallest zinc-bromine flow battery right here in the sunshine state and have recently signed a significant deal with the US Department of Defence.

Energy Storage Industries Asia Pacific are in the process of setting up a manufacturing plant in Maryborough and are working with publicly owned Stanwell Corporation Limited on a 1MW pilot battery at their Clean Energy Hub.

Queensland is set to become the home of the high-performance battery.

Last week I paid a visit to the National Battery Testing Center - a facility that plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of the technology.

We've contributed $15 million to expand the facility and establish the Queensland Energy Storage Technology Hub to support the industry through research, development, testing and deployment of cutting-edge energy storage technologies.

Because the more we know, the quicker we can deliver the storage solutions we need.

Hydrogen Bill Moves the Industry Forward

Last week we passed legislation to unlock the greatest climate, economic, and jobs opportunity in a generation!

The passing of the Gas Supply and Other Legislation (Hydrogen Industry Development) Amendment Bill 2023 ensures that Queensland has the proper policy settings for the construction, for the operation and for the safe management of hydrogen and other renewable gas pipelines.

We are at the dawn of the most significant transformation of our economy since the industrial revolution. By 2040 our green hydrogen industry could support 10,000 jobs and generate over $33 billion in economic activity.

Queensland’s green hydrogen industry is not a pipedream; it is in the pipeline:

A pipeline of skilled workers, building their careers in new industries in our regional centres.

A pipeline of generational clean exports, funding new schools, hospitals, roads and essential services

A pipeline of real action on climate change, slashing emissions in global heavy haulage, shipping, aviation and manufacturing.

Queensland’s green hydrogen industry is the greatest jobs, climate and export opportunity in a generation. It is a very real opportunity, and the legislation that was passed last week helps us deliver it.

New Milestone for Borumba Pumped Hydro

One of Queensland’s largest clean energy projects hit a new milestone last week, with the Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project declared a coordinated project.

This declaration means a rigorous assessment of social, economic and environmental matters can begin.

The project, being developed by Queensland Hydro , would have the capacity to generate up to 2000 megawatts of electricity for up to 24 hours at a time, allowing us to replace expensive fossil fuels with Queensland’s sun, wind, and water.

It will also be subject to our Buy Queensland procurement policy which means we’re looking for Sunshine Coast companies and tradies to be part of this big build.

Pumped hydro is proven technology, ready to go now, and has been supercharged by a $19 billion investment in our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, creating around 2000 local jobs and securing our renewable energy future.

Because Queenslanders kept their energy network in public hands, they have the power like nowhere else in the nation to benefit from the clean energy transition.

Brekky with a Legend!

By far the highlight of the week though, was cooking up bacon and eggs with a Queensland legend.

Johnathan Thurston is an ambassador for Get Ready Queensland and he's a great advocate for ensuring households are storm-ready and safe for the upcoming summer season.

We visited a local Bunnings to find out what a household needs to prepare themselves and what they need in their emergency kit.

My favourite suggestion of his? A pack of uno cards for the kids.

Could be a lifesaver when the internet is down and there's no more TikTok or YouTube to keep them entertained.

Find out what you need to keep yourself safe by visiting the Get Ready Queensland website.

Until next week,

Mick