“Our plan is only possible because we have retained public ownership of our energy assets and this bill helps protect that ownership,” he said.
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“We’re putting Queensland on the map as a global leader in renewable energy and reducing energy system emissions by 96 per cent by 2040.
“We’re also building our local manufacturing capacity because we will need thousands of batteries, wind turbines, solar panels and kilometres of transmission lines – and we want that equipment built here in Queensland, so Queenslanders get the benefits.”
In comments supplied by the premier’s office, CleanCo chief executive Tom Metcalfe said the $500 million.
“Central Queensland is the state’s industrial powerhouse and it needs reliable, affordable, clean energy solutions to drive future prosperity and industry development,” he said.
“That’s why a cornerstone of CleanCo’s renewable growth program is to support the decarbonisation of industry in central Queensland, helping the region to thrive in a net-zero future.”
CleanCo is a state government-owned corporation, which was established in 2018 as a third Queensland energy generator to complement state-owned coal and gas companies CS Energy and Stanwell Corporation.
Speaking on the Gold Coast on Saturday morning, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli seemed less than convinced about Palaszczuk’s announcement.
“If we are truly serious about delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity, announcements aren’t going to do that – actual action will,” he said.
“It’s time for the government to start listening to Queenslander and the pain they’re experiencing.
“It’s been two years since the Callide power station was shut down because of a breakdown and it’s still mothballed, and it’s been 12 months since the government’s so-called signature announcement in the Mackay region and there’s no money, no planning and no KPIs.
CS Energy’s Callide power station near Biloela has been beset
with issues.
“It’s disappointing for people who have just seen their electricity bills go up by 32 per cent.”
A generation unit Callide power station exploded in 2021 and the station was not expected to fully come back online until some time next year.