The Australian state of Queensland plans to develop 12 renewable energy zones (REZ) in 3 phases to 2035 with capacity to host 22 GW new wind and solar generation capacity as it targets to meet its renewable energy targets of 50% by 2030, 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035. It said in future the number of REZs may further go up.
By 2035, Queensland wants to convert all publicly owned coal fired power stations into clean energy hubs.
This 22 GW large scale wind and solar capacity represents 80% of the state's renewable energy target. Earlier the government had said it also aims to add a minimum of 12 GW of storage capacity to support this renewable energy capacity as part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (see Australian State's Renewable Energy Plans).
Previously, the state government had announced 3 REZs in North Queensland, Central Queensland and South West Queensland (see Queensland Seeks Interest For 3 Renewable Energy Zones).
The 12 REZs have been identified to coordinate the development of clean energy infrastructure in areas that have high renewable energy potential. Their development gives certainty to investors and assures a steady pipeline of construction jobs and community benefits, according to the government.
According to the draft, a total of 5 REZs will be developed in Southern Queensland including 2 in-flight REZs that altogether represent up to 12.2 GW of new capacity. The North and Far North Queensland will host 2 potential and 1 in-flight zones to build up to 5.1 GW capacity. The Central Queensland will host 4 potential REZs for up to 8.2 GW capacity.
In-flight REZs are defined as regions where renewable energy developments are already underway, and may be converted into a declared REZ in the future.
The document reads, "As new opportunities emerge over time, such as the growing hydrogen sector or connection of the North West Minerals Province through CopperString, additional REZs may be identified. It is anticipated that this Roadmap will be updated every two years to capture these opportunities."
It has now published a draft 2023 Queensland Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap to seek stakeholder comments till September 22, 2023. The draft is available on the Department of Energy and Public Works (EPW) website.