Queensland has unveiled the latest REZ Roadmap, aiming to establish 12 Renewable Energy Zones (REZs). The state plans to facilitate the development of approximately 22 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable energy capacity, with the goal of reaching an 80% renewable energy capacity in the power mix by 2035. The initial official REZ to be established will be in the Central Queensland region, with a REZ Readiness Assessment set to be initiated in the first half of 2024.
The Queensland State Government in Australia has completed the Renewable Energy Zone Roadmap (REZ Roadmap), furthering its efforts to establish 12 zones dedicated to accommodating approximately 22 gigawatts of new grid-scale clean energy capacity.
Starting from July 2023, the government has been gathering feedback for its REZ Roadmap, with plans to develop the 12 zones in three phases by 2035. It has projected that the number of zones may increase in the future as the state transforms all publicly owned coal-fired power plants into clean energy hubs.
After assessing the feedback, Queensland has unveiled a new framework that outlines a clear pathway for the expansion of renewable energy within the state. The government has announced that it will soon be enacted as law.
According to Queensland's Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, the REZ Roadmap is designed to ensure that all regions of the state can take advantage of the economic and investment opportunities offered by renewable energy. The roadmap represents a deliberate and comprehensive approach, unprecedented in scale across Australia.
Each of the 12 Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) will accommodate substantial wind, solar, and storage capacity, all of which will be integrated into the state's SuperGrid. As part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP), these REZs are seen as essential for connecting the renewable energy necessary for a clean, competitive economy, and for meeting Queensland's targets of 50% renewable energy by 2030, 70% by 2032, and 80% by 2035.
To achieve these targets, the state's energy system will require approximately six times more large-scale wind and solar generation capacity by 2035 compared to the current operational capacity. The first official REZ to be developed will be in the Central Queensland region, chosen for its existing coal-fired power stations and significant electricity demand. This region already hosts nine solar farms, one wind farm, and an additional 48 renewable energy projects in progress.
The authorities aim to commence the Central Queensland REZ Readiness Assessment process in the first half of 2024, followed by further community engagement to implement key infrastructure and supply chains. The state has committed an initial AUD 6 million ($3.9 million) for the Central Queensland Strategic REZ Readiness Assessments, along with assessments for North, Far North, and Southern Queensland planned for late 2024. An additional AUD 20 million ($13 million) will be allocated from the Regional Economic Futures Fund to act upon the findings of the assessments.
Queensland emphasizes that this roadmap places the community at the center of the renewable energy rollout. Landholders, First Nations people, and key industry stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping the phased implementation of the REZs.
The detailed updated REZ roadmap of Queensland is available on the website of the State Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning, and Public Works (HPW).
Source: Taiyang news
