Queenslanders can have their say about a future renewable energy target at a series of public forums being held across the state by the independent Renewable Energy Expert Panel.
Minister for Energy and Biofuels Mark Bailey said the panel was an election commitment and established earlier this year to assess pathways to a 50 per cent renewable energy target in Queensland by 2030.
The panel today released an Issues Paper which discusses credible pathways towards Queensland transitioning to renewable energy and how we can drive the development of a renewable energy economy for Queensland.
“The Palaszczuk Government’s focus is to increase the uptake of renewable energy to create the jobs of the future, continue to boost investment, act on climate change, and also deliver value for energy customers and the government,” Mr Bailey said.
“We are keen to hear from Queenslanders about renewable energy and their views will form a valuable part of the Expert Panel’s advice to the Government.
“This paper provides background on Queensland’s renewable energy industry, and will help Queenslanders to understand where we are currently, and where we need get to in renewable energy.
“Queensland currently has over 1,500 megawatts of small-scale solar, which is the highest level of installed capacity of any Australian state, it also has one of the highest penetration rates of rooftop solar in the world, with almost 30 percent of all houses having a system installed.
“This paper forms the basis for continuing this momentum, as we work to establish a credible pathway to the Government’s 50 per cent renewable energy target in Queensland by 2030.”
The Issues Paper covers a range of important areas including how investment takes place in renewable energy and how projects can be funded, through to technical issues associated with the integration of renewable energy into the electricity system.
The Renewable Energy Expert Panel will be travelling throughout the state conducting a series of public forums, allowing Queenslanders to have their say about our renewable energy future.
The panel members include Mr Colin Mugglestone (Chair), Ms Allison Warburton, Professor Paul Meredith, Mr Paul Hyslop and Ms Amanda McKenzie.
Public forums will be held throughout the year in the following locations:
- Townsville (May 17)
- Chinchilla (May 31)
- Gladstone
- Mount Isa
- Brisbane
- Sunshine Coast
- Emerald
- Cairns
- Rockhampton
- Toowoomba
- Bundaberg
- Mackay
- Gold Coast
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