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Energy independence a major opportunity for Queensland

Australia’s renewable energy industry has released its policy priorities ahead of the Queensland election, providing guidance to all parties to help the state continue shining at the end of November.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said energy independence was a huge opportunity for all political parties, with renewable energy and energy storage helping to reduce people’s reliance on the power grid and reduce their bills at the same time.

“The policy priorities outline key areas impacting the Queensland energy sector, building on the great work that has already taken place in the state,” Mr Thornton said.

“Queensland has already cemented itself as the Sunshine State, leading the country in rooftop solar. With the large-scale solar and wind projects that are either committed or underway, it is also a national leader in creating jobs and investment in regional areas, with thousands of new jobs and billions of dollars’ worth of projects underway,” he said.

Mr Thornton said the renewable energy industry had identified three priority areas that could help Queensland deliver a 21st century energy system:

Support energy independence, especially in fringe-of-grid areas

Encourage battery storage for Queensland homes and businesses

Strengthen Queensland’s transmission network

“We have made recommendations that will have a positive impact on Queensland’s energy supply, job growth and investment in both renewable energy and energy storage,” Mr Thornton said.

“The decline in the cost of battery storage and solar brings cheaper, safer, more efficient and reliable clean energy opportunities for customers living at the edge of the electricity grid.

The state government can save hundreds of millions of dollars, improve reliability and services for rural Queenslanders by supporting the use of independent microgrids and local electricity generation.

“The rules of the National Electricity Market prevent Queensland networks from making the best use of new technologies like solar, energy storage and microgrids.

The next Queensland Government should fight for changes to the rules so that Energy Queensland can use microgrids as part of its distribution service – where that makes sense and the local people want the extra energy independence.”

New energy opportunities for Queensland is available on the Clean Energy Council website.

Please contact Clean Energy Council Media Manager Mark Bretherton on 0413 556 981 for more information or to arrange an interview.