Department of Energy and Climate

Renewable energy is providing 40% of the electricity in Australia’s main grid. This statistic was announced recently by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) (AEMO), who also emphasised that there is a strong pipeline of new projects, which will see Australia’s transition to renewables continue at a rapid pace. This progress is spurred by increasing support for renewables across the board, with rooftop solar, large-scale batteries, wind, hydroelectric, and other clean energy projects continuing to boost energy supply into the grid. The Clean Energy Council’s Clean Energy Australia 2024 report also shows more than 3.7 million solar households delivered 11.2% of the total Australian electricity generated in 2023. In Queensland, more than 849,000 homes and businesses currently generate clean energy from the sun. Renewable energy has been an integral part of our grid for many years and offers a more reliable, distributed, and robust grid, as well as a cleaner environment. To read more about the different types of renewable energy that feed into Queensland’s grid, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gugfTVsb #renewableenergy #solar #wind #batteries

Climate change creates risks to assets, services, and functions. That’s why the Queensland Government partnered with Griffith University's Climate Ready Initiative - Griffith University to co-design the Climate Risk Management Guideline for Queensland Government Departments. In essence, it's a guide to help the state's government departments embed climate risk into strategic and operational functions in a coordinated and streamlined way. Identifying and managing the potential impacts of climate risks will enable departments to continue to deliver quality services, create jobs, and build a strong economy, while protecting the environment and building safer, more resilient Queensland communities. You can read more here: https://lnkd.in/gFncyEjH #ClimateAction #RiskManagement #Queensland #Government

Building a cleaner energy system from *below* the ground up. Genex Power’s Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro), being built at the disused Kidston gold mine site in Far North Queensland, is progressing nicely. Especially on the underground works. Once it becomes operational next year, K2-Hydro will be Australia’s first pumped hydro project built in over 40 years and only the fourth in the country to reach commercial operation. The K2-Hydro Project is also unique in that it reuses existing mining pits (Wises and Eldridge) as the upper and lower reservoirs. The pits have a significant water height difference and can hold large quantities of water, which means the project is highly efficient for power generation. It can produce 2,000 MWh of electricity in a single cycle, providing 250 MW of power generation over an 8-hours. This is enough to power more than 100,000 homes! K2-Hydro, expected to operate for 80 years, is part of the broader Kidston Clean Energy Hub, which already includes a 50 MW solar farm and 258 MW of wind power. Learn more about the pumped hydro energy storage in Queensland: https://lnkd.in/gvgYeKds

The renewable energy sector is characterised by its innovative technologies and ambitious projects. It’s a rapidly evolving field, and safety is absolutely critical to ensure the wellbeing of workers now and long into the future. Queenslanders like Virginia, a Senior Health and Safety Adviser at Stanwell Corporation Limited, are key to this effort. With October being Safe Work Month, we thought it would be a good time to touch base and learn more about the nature of her role and how she is helping improve safe work practices. “My role within the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) team is varied and involves comprehensive planning and collaboration with operations teams to meet environmental protection requirements, develop and implement risk management strategies, maintain regulatory compliance, and deliver safety systems that benefit, or enhance, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our people,” she explained. Stanwell is at the forefront of Queensland’s energy transition, and Virginia points out that they are well-equipped and committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety. “Although some of the technology that will deliver renewable energy generation is still developing, the current systems and experience within our ranks provide the platform for a smooth transition.” Thank you to all the WH&S advisers like Virginia for making safety an indispensable part of the renewable energy journey and for improving the lives of energy workers and everyday Queenslanders across the state. If a career working in energy appeals to you, check out our energy jobs portal: qld.gov.au/energyjobs #RenewableEnergy #SafeWorkMonth #Safety #Jobs

Are you looking for a way to generate an income with environmental, economic, social, and cultural benefits? The Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, administered by the Clean Energy Regulator, might be the answer. The ACCU Scheme encourages people and businesses to run projects that reduce or avoid greenhouse emissions (emissions avoidance) or remove and store carbon from the atmosphere (sequestration). Eligible projects might use new technology, upgrade equipment, change the way vegetation is managed, or change business practices to improve productivity or energy use, for example. These projects must adhere to specific methodologies and reporting requirements in order to earn credits and participate in the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) auctions. For every tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (t CO₂-e) emissions a project stores or avoids, participants can earn one ACCU. ACCUs can be sold on the secondary market or to the Australian Government by entering a carbon abatement contract. On the secondary market, private buyers purchase ACCUs to voluntarily offset their emissions or meet compliance requirements. Combatting climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions involves a collaborative effort by industry, government, and the public. Find out more about how you can do your part through the ACCU Scheme: https://lnkd.in/gswrYNSx #NetZero #ClimateAction #CarbonNeutral

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Decarbonising Queensland is key to unlocking a $430 billion economic and jobs boom. That's why we’re driving not only a new era of electricity generation but also one of jobs advocacy in Queensland’s energy sector. Introducing Aaron Johnstone as Queensland’s new Renewable Energy Jobs Advocate. With nearly 30 years of experience shaping public policy and collaborating with industry, Aaron is well-placed for this landmark role. His work with Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia, Australian Industry Group, and now Interact Policy and Industry Solutions have cultivated his belief in “a fair and prosperous transition for Queensland in its renewable energy journey, and in ensuring benefits are shared across workers, communities, and First Nations’ groups”. In this new role, Aaron will engage with regional communities, First Nations people and businesses, government, and industry to support employment, workforce development, and incentives to encourage investment and community support for our energy transformation. Aaron’s appointment represents another significant step in our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan. Released two years ago this month, the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is expected to create direct jobs in construction and ongoing operations of infrastructure projects, and indirect jobs in green growth industries like renewable hydrogen and battery manufacturing. Most of these jobs are bound for the regions. By championing renewable energy jobs in the Sunshine State, Aaron will make an important contribution to our evolution into a renewable energy powerhouse. Congratulations, Aaron! #RenewableEnergy #Jobs #Queensland #Community

The launch of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan was a landmark moment in Queensland’s history as we committed to transform our energy sector and power more jobs across the state. Today, it's officially been 2 years since its launch and the extensive achievements over this time have laid a solid foundation for future activity, involving several key deliverables across the plan’s 3 focus areas: Clean energy economy, Empowered households and businesses, and Secure jobs and communities. But we haven't been able to do this alone. Alongside our government owned corporations, and the broader energy industry, we have worked together to achieve many key milestones, some of which can be seen in the video below. With ongoing engagement and strategic planning to achieve our clean energy future, Queensland is well-positioned to edge closer to the state’s renewable energy targets and deliver on its commitment—providing clean, reliable and affordable energy for all Queenslanders. You can keep up to date with our progress by heading to our website: https://lnkd.in/gJ8SyKhm #QEJP #planning #construction #achievements

Big visions + big investments + big actions = a brighter future. That’s the formula underpinning the biggest transition since the industrial revolution. The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, unveiled two years ago this month, reflects the global shift away from fossil fuels and acknowledges climate change as a real threat not just to the environment, but to employment and economic stability. And it’s working. We’re backing projects and strategies to deliver a reliable, affordable, and decarbonised energy system – and tackle climate change, stimulate new economic frontiers, diversify the state’s economy, and create and protect jobs. Since 2015, 55 large-scale renewable energy projects have come online, been financially committed, or are under construction. They represent 6,700MW, about 9,000 jobs, $12 billion in investment, and 16 million tonnes of avoided CO2 emissions annually. In addition, more than 50 hydrogen-based projects are taking shape across the state. Queensland’s renewable energy generation has increased about 25% in the past two years alone. Game-changing developments in the regions include: ● One of the world’s largest hydrogen projects in Gladstone, forecast to create thousands of jobs and more than $14 billion in exports. ● The MacIntyre Wind Farm Precinct, near Warwick, one of the largest onshore wind farms in the Southern Hemisphere. ● CopperString 2032, the high-voltage transmission link from Townsville to Mount Isa, which will unlock the next resources boom. ● Detailed analysis into two proposed world-class pumped hydro projects. ● New mining and manufacturing industries, including Australia’s first large-scale iron-flow battery-manufacturing facility in Maryborough. ● World-leading legislation including protection of coal-fired power station workers in the energy transition. Progress isn’t exclusive to large-scale efforts, though. The number of electric vehicles on Queensland roads has more than tripled since September 2022 and the number of homes and businesses with rooftop solar has surged past 857,000. That’s all to say Queensland is embracing the new energy era in big ways, driving big benefits. Independent modelling forecasts Queensland’s economy will be $25.7 billion bigger by 2040 than if we didn’t have a plan. There will be 100,000 new jobs, most of them in the regions, and overall production in the resource mining industry, excluding coal, could increase by $5 billion in 2040, supporting 5,200 jobs. Whether you’re in Coolangatta, Charleville, Coorparoo, Cloncurry, or the Cape, the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is empowering local choices, voices, and benefits for all Queenslanders. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gX3GH8db #progress #renewableenergy #community #economy #Queensland

The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EV) in Queensland necessitates robust, accessible infrastructure to better support consumers. Unlike traditional refuelling at petrol stations, EV charging can be facilitated at homes, workplaces, community facilities, and tourist destinations. This shift is crucial for enabling and supporting widespread adoption, which is why we’re expanding public charging infrastructure and working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to trial Park ‘n’ Ride EV chargers at commuter car parks in South East Queensland. This trial—an Australian first—will be rolled out at Eight Mile Plains bus station and Coomera train station, providing a seamless and fast charging experience that integrates charging into commuters’ daily routines. The EV charger rollout goes further than this, with initiatives such as the Queensland Electric Super Highway (QESH) and the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Co-Fund Scheme ensuring that Queensland is one of the most EV-friendly regions in Australia. There are 56 public fast-charging sites available as part of this, with plans to increase this to 100 in the near future. Across the state, there are currently more than 460 fast chargers installed and available for public use. By 2026, this is expected to increase, with around 2,500 chargers to be installed at government buildings, up to 500 of which will be available for public use at locations such as hospitals, theatres, and convention centres. Electric vehicles are changing the way we move about in the world, and this approach to EV infrastructure development underscores our commitment to a sustainable and electrified future. To read more about electric vehicles in Queensland, including charging infrastructure, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/gVjDkzbQ #electricvehicles #evs #sustainability #netzero