plus Created with Sketch. ! arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up Asset 9Asset 7Asset 2 Group 2 Created with Sketch. Rectangle 11 Copy 4 Created with Sketch. Asset 6 close Asset 5 Icon/news/default Asset 20 arrow Created with Sketch. edit Group Created with Sketch. Icon/Learning/Active Icon/Learning/Inactive Shape Asset 10 instagram linkedin Asset 8 Icon/news/default menu send-2 Created with Sketch. Asset 3 pin Asset 14 search share Asset 15Asset 16Asset 19 twitter Asset 11

Queensland reverse auction to provide much needed industry certainty 

The successful projects in Queensland’s Renewables 400 initiative will give the state a much-needed boost towards its 50 per cent Renewable Energy Target by 2030, the Clean Energy Council said following the release of a short-list of 10 contenders by the government today.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton said the program would provide much needed certainty for projects that will create jobs and investment in regional parts of the state, as well as providing clean energy to Queensland’s electricity system and reducing the cost of power for residents and businesses.

“We are very pleased to see the Renewables 400 progressing as part of a portfolio of projects that will be managed by the new publicly-owned power generator CleanCo as of the end of October this year,” Mr Thornton said.

“Reverse auction programs have proven extremely successful in the ACT and Victoria in helping the industry scale up and reduce the cost of building wind and solar projects in Australia.

“They encourage developers to out-bid each other to deliver the lowest possible price, meaning the Queensland Government will get the best possible value for any money it allocates towards supporting clean energy projects across the Sunshine State.

“These kinds of programs in other states have helped the industry to identify efficiencies and increase competition to a point which is helping consumers reap the benefits of cheaper electricity.

“The Australian Energy Market Commission predicts that wholesale power prices should fall over the next couple of years as a result of all the renewable energy being built, and a series of additional projects supported by the Queensland Government under Renewables 400 will help this dynamic even further.

“Queensland absolutely has the potential to be a national leader in renewable energy, though challenges remain with grid congestion and connection.”

The short-listed projects include solar and wind farms, some of which include battery storage, the full list can be found on the Queensland Government website.

Please contact Mark Bretherton, the Clean Energy Council’s Director – Media on 0413 556 981 for more information or to arrange an interview.