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Queensland’s path to renewables: Awareness needed

What’s Happening?

Queensland is accelerating its renewable energy transition, aiming to generate 80-89% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and phasing out coal-fired power stations by 2040.

However, a Climate Council report, Electric Shock! Australia’s Lightbulb Moment, reveals a significant knowledge gap among Queenslanders, including those in Rockhampton, which may undermine the transition’s momentum.

Why It Matters?

The renewable energy transition presents vast opportunities for Rockhampton and regional Queensland, from job creation to economic growth.

However, public misunderstanding about the timeline and impact of renewables threatens to stall progress. Clear communication and education are crucial to dispelling misinformation, building trust, and empowering communities to embrace renewable energy solutions.

Local Impact

Rockhampton, as a one of the key regional centre, stands to benefit significantly from the renewable energy boom.

Expanding renewable energy capacity will unlock thousands of jobs and economic opportunities, particularly in infrastructure, manufacturing, and maintenance of renewable facilities.

Local households, many of which already utilize rooftop solar, could enjoy lower energy costs and enhanced reliability as coal is phased out.

By the Numbers

  • Half (50%) of Queenslanders, including Rockhampton residents, are unsure how much electricity renewables will generate by 2030; only 4% correctly identified the target as 80-89%.
  • Almost one million Queensland households, over half the state, now have rooftop solar installed.
  • Renewable energy has been part of Australia’s history since the 1980s, yet 51% of Queenslanders underestimate its longevity.

Zoom In

Greg Bourne, Climate Councillor and energy expert, highlighted Rockhampton’s renewable energy potential, stating:

“Expanding our renewable energy capacity will unlock thousands of new jobs and economic opportunities, particularly in major regional centres like Gladstone, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and Cairns.”

Bourne also emphasized the role of large-scale solar and wind energy: “Large-scale solar and wind, backed by storage, can deliver reliable, low-cost power 24/7, keeping energy costs low as coal phases out.”

Zoom Out

Andrew Stock, another Climate Council energy expert, stressed the national importance of bridging the knowledge gap:

“Renewable from our abundant sun and wind backed by storage and firming is Australia’s best opportunity to secure reliable, low-cost power while simultaneously cutting climate pollution and creating jobs for generations to come.”

Stock also pointed out that Australia’s renewable journey began over a century ago: “Renewable energy has been around since the first hydro power in Tasmania came online in the 1910s. Improving public education on renewables can build confidence and support for the next chapter.”

What to Look For Next?

Watch for updates on the Climate Council’s Momentum Monitor, which tracks renewable energy progress quarterly.

Locally, Rockhampton’s renewable energy infrastructure developments will be key to the region’s economic and environmental future.

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