There’s nowhere better in the world for solar power than the Sunshine State.
- 10 projects shortlisted for Renewables 400 auction
- CleanCo to begin trading 31 October 2019
- More ambition needed to ensure Queensland meets its clean energy targets
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) welcomes the Queensland Government’s announcement of a shortlist of projects tendering for the Renewables 400 auction and the date for CleanCo to begin trading, but much stronger ambition is still needed.
ACF Climate and Clean Energy Campaigner, Jason Lyddieth, said: “This announcement is a significant step in the right direction, but more action is needed if the Palaszczuk Government is to deliver on its clean energy targets.
“Burning coal and gas is the biggest driver of climate change and moving to clean energy from the sun and wind is the most impactful way we can help stop climate damage.
“There’s nowhere better in the world for solar power than the Sunshine State and Queensland should be a clean energy superpower.
“It’s great to see CleanCo off and running but Queensland has fallen behind in meeting our 50 per cent renewable energy target for 2030.
“The Palaszczuk Government needs to release the shackles on CleanCo by allowing it to leverage debt finance and allocate more money to invest in large scale, job creating wind and solar projects across the state.
“There is huge potential for Queensland to be selling our sunshine to the rest of the world. The Asian Renewable Hub in Western Australia and Suncable in the Northern Territory are both projects that plan to export clean energy directly to Asian metropolises through subsea cables.
“That is the kind of ambition we need here in Queensland. Green hydrogen and industry powered by clean energy are other ways we can make the most of our abundant sunshine.
“It’s time for Queensland to get big and bold on clean energy.”
