Queensland is committed to 80 percent renewable energy generation by 2035 under new laws passed by State parliament today.
Three renewable energy targets, 50 percent by 2030, 70 percent by 2032 and the 80 percent mark were locked in with the passage of the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Act 2024.
A second Bill, the Clean Economy Jobs Act 2024, was also passed which legislated emissions reduction targets of 30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, 75 percent below by 2035 and net zero by 2050.
Premier Steven Miles said by entrenching the transformation of Queensland’s energy grid into law, 100,000 new jobs would be created in manufacturing, renewable energy generation, power transmission and industries of the future.
The Energy Bill also legislated a Job Security Guarantee and Fund which the Premier said would ensure energy workers at existing publicly-owned power stations and associated coal mines had access to new jobs and training or financial assistance during the transition.
It also enshrined public ownership of all transmission, distribution and deep storage assets, and a majority (54 percent) of generation assets.
Queensland Renewable Energy Council CEO Katie-Anne Mulder said with Queensland’s renewable energy targets now enshrined in law it provided certainty to industry and communities.
“What comes with the targets is a continued investment pipeline into renewable energy projects in Queensland, an investment towards a modern energy system that brings with it regional economic development and prosperity,” Ms Mulder said.
