Queensland proposes 12 renewable energy zones in dash to quit coal

The Queensland government plans to create 12 renewable energy zones in the state, as part of its $62 billion plan to phase out coal power and shift to 80 per cent renewables in just over a decade.

A draft roadmap published by the Labor Palaszczuk government on Tuesday identifies the 12 potential future REZs it hope to have developed and connected to the Queensland SuperGrid in three phases by 2035.

The roadmap proposes to use the detailed zoning system to better coordinate the rollout and connection of 22 gigawatts of new large-scale wind and solar generation, as well long duration energy storage and green hydrogen production.

This includes the construction of two massive pumped hydro projects at Borumba and Burdekin, new transmission links such as the Copperstring line out to Mt Isa, and green hydrogen hubs at Gladstone and Townsville.

“Only when renewables dominate the market will we see wholesale electricity prices come down permanently, so this roadmap is crucial to taking real action on easing the cost-of- living through the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan,” said state energy minister Mick de Brenni on Tuesday.

“It’s big in concept and shows how to deliver big when it comes to building a new energy infrastructure for the whole state and is also a signal to industry and private investors that we’re serious about renewable energy and partnerships with communities and project developers.”

Queensland currently has the lowest renewable energy share of any state in Australia – at 22 per cent – and is facing a huge task to meet the targets it plans to legislate: 50 per cent by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032, and 80 per cent by 2035.

The 12 proposed renewable energy zones, mapped out by the government in consultation with state-owned network company Powerlink, are grouped into three main geographical regions – south, central and north – and four phases of development: 1, 2, 3 and “in-flight”, referring to developments already underway.

As you can see in the maps below, a number of the newly proposed REZs will take in the sites of the state’s remaining coal generating facilities, which the government plans to transform into clean energy hubs.

In the Southern Queensland region, five REZs are identified in the roadmap, two of which are “in-flight,” or already being developed by Powerlink: Western Downs REZ with the Wambo wind farm Southern Downs REZ with the MacIntyre wind farm.

In Central Queensland, a total of four REZs are proposed for either phase 1 or 2 development, while in North and Far North Queensland, a further three REZs are outlined, including one “in-flight” zone in FNQ where the Kaban Green Power Hub is already underway.

The government says consultation on the draft plan for the 12 REZs, each of which would be declared over time, will help ensure a steady pipeline of construction jobs and other community benefits – and safeguards – over the course of the massive renewables shift.

For each REZ, there will be a separate process for consultation and development including an outline of the specific geographical and detailed assessments of local opportunities and impacts, the roadmap says.

Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman said his organisation welcomed the release of the roadmap, and of the proposed REZs, as crucial steps to bring down both emissions and electricity prices, and protect threatened species habitat.

“It’s essential that Traditional Owners and communities are involved in designing their own energy future and protecting our biodiversity and rich cultural heritage,” Copeman said.

The 12 potential Renewable Energy Zones are:

Southern Queensland: Southern Downs, Western Downs, Woolooga, Darling Downs, and Tarong.

Central Queensland: Callide, Calliope, Isaac, and Stanwell.

North and Far North Queensland: Far North Queensland, Collinsville, and Flinders.

The closing date for feedback is 22 September 2023.