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QLD's commitment to 80% renewables, using 22GW of new wind and solar

By Emily Mason posted 08-10-2022 11:34

  
Queensland’s new Energy and Jobs Plan involves shifting from a coal-dominated electricity grid to 80% renewables within 13 years, using 22 gigawatts of new wind and solar. The plan relies on two massive new pumped hydro developments to store electricity, including the biggest proposed in the world.

It sets out a path to transform the state's electricity network with $62 billion worth of public and private investment over the next 15 years, delivering clean energy, thousands of jobs, and multimillion dollar economic opportunities for the Sunshine State.

With its Energy Plan, Queensland has set itself up to cash in on the global transition away from polluting coal and gas, while bringing coal workers and regional communities along on the inevitable journey. It’s great to see that 95 per cent of the $62 billion spent on this plan will be invested in the regions.

This now puts Queensland ahead of the big states for their 2030 renewable energy targets. Queensland is now aiming for 60 per cent by 2030, compared to Victoria which has pledged 50 per cent by 2030 and no specific target for New South Wales.

Queenslanders have already suffered enormously from climate change-fueled floods and fires. This plan puts Queensland in a prime position to tackle climate change and make the most of the clean energy revolution. But, the closure of highly polluting coal and gas will need to be accelerated to protect communities from the ravages of climate change.

I'm interested, for those not living in the Sunshine State - how do you feel? I feel like it shines a light on the relative inaction from other states and territories... 

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https://www.landcarer.com.au/blogs/emily-mason/2022/10/07/qlds-commitment-to-80-renewables-using-22gw-of-new