The Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap | Queensland, Australia
It is an exciting time for Queensland as we accelerate towards a renewable energy powered future. We are on track to deliver our renewable energy targets of 50 per cent renewables by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035. Renewable energy is transforming our economy, bringing new investments and opportunities for generations to come. Queensland has developed a unique Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) framework that ensures communities are partners in the development of our state.
This builds on our work to improve local outcomes from the energy transformation through the $9.25 million Local Energy Partnerships framework released in October 2023 and the $200 million Regional Economic Futures Fund. The Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap lays out a framework that will strategically connect around 22 gigawatts (GW) of new grid-scale renewable energy in 12 potential locations across Queensland. Supported by proposed new laws, Renewable Energy Zones will enable proactive planning, meaningful engagement and careful coordination of the energy transformation for the benefit of our regional communities.
It will help deliver on the estimated 100,000 new jobs from the energy transformation by 2040. As part of delivering this roadmap, the Queensland Government is committing to: $6 million for kicking off the Central Queensland Strategic REZ Readiness Assessment in the first half of 2024, and the Strategic REZ Readiness Assessments for North, Far North and Southern Queensland in late 2024.
Initial focus on the first phase of REZ development including Callide. Allocating $20 million from the Regional Economic Futures Fund to action outputs from REZ Readiness Assessments. Undertaking a review into how the Queensland Government can better manage community feedback about large-scale energy infrastructure development.