Queensland Government Unveils Ambitious Plan to Establish 12 Renewable Energy Zones

The Queensland government announced its initiative to create 12 renewable energy zones (REZs) across the state, as part of a comprehensive $62 billion plan. The goal is to phase out coal power and transition to 80 percent renewable energy within a little over a decade.

Recently, the Labor Palaszczuk government released a draft roadmap, Queensland Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap 2023,  outlining the 12 potential future REZs that it aims to develop and connect to the Queensland SuperGrid in three distinct phases by 2035.

The proposed roadmap introduces a detailed zoning system to facilitate the coordinated rollout and connection of 22 gigawatts of new large-scale wind and solar generation. It also includes plans for long-duration energy storage, as well as the production of green hydrogen. Notably, the roadmap outlines the construction of two massive pumped hydro projects in Borumba and Burdekin, the establishment of new transmission links like the Copperstring line extending to Mt Isa, and the creation of green hydrogen hubs in Gladstone and Townsville.

State Energy Minister Mick de Brenni emphasized the importance of the roadmap, stating, “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.”

Presently, Queensland has the lowest share of renewable energy among all the Australian states, accounting for just 22 per cent. The state faces a significant challenge to meet its legislated targets of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032, and 80 per cent by 2035.

12 REZs

The Queensland government, in consultation with state-owned network company Powerlink, has mapped out the 12 proposed REZs. These zones are categorized into three main regions—south, central, and north—and are further divided into four phases: 1, 2, 3, and “in-flight,” referring to ongoing developments. Several REZs will encompass the locations of existing coal generating facilities, which the government plans to convert into clean energy hubs.

The roadmap’s release marks a significant milestone in Queensland’s transition to renewable energy. The government anticipates that engaging with stakeholders through the draft plan for the 12 REZs, which will be progressively declared, will ensure a steady flow of construction jobs, community benefits, and environmental safeguards throughout the renewable energy shift.

In the Southern Queensland region, five REZs are identified in the roadmap. Two of these 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.

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.

Each REZ will undergo a separate consultation and development process, including a comprehensive assessment of local opportunities and potential impacts, according to the roadmap.

The Queensland Conservation Council has praised the release of the roadmap and the proposed REZs, considering them crucial steps toward reducing emissions, lowering electricity prices, and safeguarding threatened species habitats.

The 12 potential Renewable Energy Zones identified in the roadmap are as follows:

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.

(Note: Interested parties can provide feedback on the draft plan until September 22, 2023)