Queensland LNP to ditch state renewable targets, may nix wind projects altogether
Queensland’s major parties are diverging on energy policy ahead of the October election, with opposition leader David Crisafulli rejecting the state’s renewable energy targets.
The state opposition may also rule out the construction of new wind power, despite a number of gigawatt-scale wind projects planned for the state, particularly in the north.
The new policy position was outlined in front of a 1,000-head community meeting this week.
It means that the state LNP will support a 2050 net zero emissions target, but not the legislated renewable energy targets of 50% by 2030, 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035.
Queensland is rapidly playing catch up to the rest of the country, and remains the state with the heaviest dependence on coal fired generators, and the lowest share of renewables.
But the state does have a number of large wind, solar and battery projects in construction and commissioning.
Its wind resource is prized because wind conditions are often strong in north Queensland when they are weak elsewhere.
The previous head of the state LNP, Deb Frecklington, had indicated that her party supported the energy targets, but not their legislation.
But now, with a state election due next month, the new leader Crisafulli appears to be taking the party in a new direction – one that doesn’t include wind power.
Crisafulli said the LNP was committed to net zero, but wanted to get there through a plan involving solar and pumped hydro, and without legislation.
Crisafulli said he had a plan to reduce energy emissions and continue to add more renewables, but he did not outline what that would look like.
In June, Crisafulli was still ruling out changing the state’s ban on nuclear power, despite the big push for nuclear by the federal Coalition.