Queensland's Ambitious Plan: 12 Renewable Energy Zones
- Queensland Govt announces $62 billion plan to create 12 REZs, transition to 80% renewable energy by 2035, reduce energy prices, create jobs & protect habitats.
Queensland government has announced an ambitious plan to create 12 Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) across the state as part of a $62 billion plan to reduce emissions and transition to 80 percent renewable energy by 2035. The draft roadmap, Queensland Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap 2023, was recently released outlining the 12 potential future REZs which are further divided into three regions—South, Central, and North & Far North—and four phases: 1, 2, 3, and “in-flight”. The roadmap also includes plans for long-duration energy storage, as well as the production of green hydrogen and two massive pumped hydro projects. The plan hopes to reduce energy prices and provide construction jobs and community benefits while protecting threatened species habitats.
What Benefits Will Queensland's REZ Plan Provide?
- Increased energy security and price reductions for households and businesses
- Creation of new regional jobs through investment in the renewable energy sector
- The establishment of new renewable energy infrastructure and regional hubs
- Increased efficiency in the energy grid due to improved transmission lines and energy storage
- An increase in the supply of green hydrogen and green energy to industry
- Improved environmental protection by reducing emissions and protecting threatened species habitats
- Increased Indigenous employment opportunities and community benefits
