Energy sector leaders, industry bodies, consumer groups and unions will work with government leaders to ensure Queenslanders benefit from cheaper, cleaner energy – which can also aid EV uptake.
The Palaszczuk Government will establish a Ministerial Energy Council to help deliver future energy needs and guide the state, energy, renewables and hydrogen minister Mick de Brenni says.
“This decade will herald a significant adjustment in the way energy is produced, distributed and stored,” he says, adding that makes it vital for collaboration.
“Investors are lining up to capitalise on our world-class wind resources and highest solar intensity,” de Brenni says.
“Whether it’s generating more clean energy through renewables or producing hydrogen, Queensland is creating the catalyst for this energy take off.”
Queensland’s publicly owned generation and supply chain assets provide the strongest foundation in the network to enable further rapid growth and economic development in Queensland, de Brenni says.
“By establishing a Ministerial Energy Council, our government can leverage our foundational assets as a basis from which to harness the additional capacity of renewables to deliver real outcomes for Queenslanders.
“From business representatives like Energy Networks Australia, to Queensland small consumer body QCOSS, we’re giving a wide breadth of industry groups a seat at the table to ensure that government regulation can work as intended.
“They’ll be joined by the Electrical Trades Union, Australian Energy Council and Smart Energy Council, among others.”
First up will be a discussion around how best to establish a fully functional and commercial hydrogen supply chain in Queensland.
“With state-owned energy generators and ports, the levers are uniquely in Queenslanders’ hands to generate hydrogen to enable a renewable energy future for our nation,” de Brenni explains.
“Renewable energy and transmission, manufacturing, resources and electrifying transport have the capacity to create 570,000 Australian jobs in the next five years.
Queensland’s approach aligns with Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy.
“At the next meeting of energy ministers, I’ll be asking for a greater focus on the role of hydrogen in the future of Australia’s energy security,” de Brenni says.
The Ministerial Energy Council will consist of Renewables, Hydrogen Development, and Consumer Voice sub-committees to assist in driving energy policy in Queensland.
The first meeting of the Hydrogen Development Sub-Committee will be co-chaired by training and skills development minister Di Farmer and focus on skills and job opportunities.
