Queensland is set to become the nation’s renewable energy powerhouse with the launch of a Bligh Government plan to attract billions in investment to the state and create thousands of jobs.
Premier Anna Bligh and Natural Resources Minister Stephen Robertson today launched the Queensland Renewable Energy Plan, which was established to attract not only private investment in the new Queensland industry but secure the state’s fair share of Federal Government funding in the renewable energy sector.
Ms Bligh said the Plan had the potential to attract $3.5 billion of investment and create up to 3,500 new jobs in Queensland over the next ten years.
“Queensland is no longer just about traditional energy resources like coal and gas, but new and emerging renewable energy resources like solar, geothermal, wind and hydro,” Ms Bligh said.
“The time is right to strike on renewable resources because the Federal Government has the Renewable Energy Target Legislation before the Australian Parliament.
“That legislation will make all electricity companies source up to 20 per cent of their electricity from renewable energy sources over the next 10 years.
“That is going to unlock investment in renewable energy to meet that demand – and in turn a new green jobs sector - and I want to make sure Queensland is well placed and ready to reap the benefits. “
Mr Robertson said one of the government’s first projects would be partnering the world renowned Clinton Foundation to undertake a $1 million feasibility study for a large scale solar power plant.
“This project will ensure Queensland businesses have the best chance of success in applying to the Federal government’s $1.6 billion Solar Flagship Program, so that Queensland can benefit from a large-scale solar power plant,” he said.
“The Bligh Government is also investing $5 million in geothermal or “hot rocks” resources.
“Queensland is blessed with significant potential geothermal resources in the form of hot rocks to produce clean, emission-free electricity and heat.
“The Queensland Renewable Energy Plan will also help the state get its fair share of the Commonwealth’s $465 million Renewables Australia fund, to help industry promote renewable technology opportunities in Queensland.”
The Plan will be rolled out through the Queensland Government’s Office of Clean Energy—a ‘one stop shop’ that will provide ongoing policy and program support while dispensing expertise to assist renewable energy developers fast track eligible projects.
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