The Australian state of Queensland has unveiled a AUD62bn (US$40bn) clean energy plan which intends to convert the state’s coal-fired power plants to renewable hubs by 2035. Queensland would source 70% of its energy needs from renewables by 2032 and 80% by 2035, versus the previous target of 50% by 2030.
The plan includes a new SuperGrid connecting solar, wind, battery and hydrogen generators across the state. It includes plans for 22 GW of new wind and solar, 11.5 GW of rooftop solar, 9 GW of battery storage and two new pumped hydro projects capable of delivering 7 GW of long-duration storage.
Queensland’s eight coal-fired plants, some of which are not due to retire until the 2040 decade, would remain as backup until replacement pumped hydro energy storage is operational. The plan will be financed through a combination of public and private investments, but the public sector will own 100% of transmission and distribution grids and the two pumped hydro stations.
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