With dispatchable power, solar and storage, we could get the same benefits to the grid without the pollution.
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has cautiously welcomed the release of the Powering Queensland Plan with the Palaszczuk government re-committing to a 50% renewable target by 2030 with a suite of policies to transition to a clean and renewable Queensland. However, ACF is concerned to see the opening of up to 450 square kilometres of new gas tenure.
Queensland Climate Change and Clean Energy Campaigner Jason Lyddieth, said “It is great to see Queensland showing leadership in managing the inevitable transition to renewable energy.
“The creation of CleanCo to facilitate the transition away from fossil fuels and the announcement of 400MWs of reverse auctions for renewable energy including 100MWs of storage are great first steps for the Queensland Government.
"However it is disappointing to see the Queensland government continuing to support gas by opening up 450 square kilometres for new gas tenure and falling back on gas-fired power to put downward pressure on peak prices.
“Gas can no longer be seen as a transition energy source. It’s a polluting fuel that is completely unnecessary to secure our energy supply and put downward pressure on power-prices. Renewables are cheaper, cleaner and safer.
“Recently Elon Musk famously declared that Tesla could fix South Australia’s energy security issues in one hundred days or for free. With dispatchable power, solar and storage, we could get the same benefits to the grid without the pollution.
“It is also disappointing that there will be no decision on what mechanism Queensland will use to reach 50% by 2030 until 2019. With no federal plan beyond 2020 it is up to the state government show leadership on climate change.
“The renewables boom in North Queensland demonstrates that the Sunshine State has a bright future with clean energy and it is imperative we act to cut pollution immediately.”
