Coal, gas signposted as key elements in energy future

Queensland will need coal-fired power for longer to meet energy generation needs, according to Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki. It came as the State Government announced it was developing a five-year Energy Roadmap, to be delivered by the end of 2025. “We’re taking an approach based on economics and engineering, not ideology,” Mr Janetzki said. “Our five-year plan must ease pressure on our balance sheet, de-risk our energy future, and add significant generation capacity. It will involve the private sector and must work for our communities.” Speaking today at the Queensland Energy Club, he said Treasury was working with the government-owned corporations behind the state's power stations to determine the technical and commercial life spans of coal generators. State Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki. "They will remain open for as long as it is economically sensible and systemically needed, not an arbitrary date to fill a headline in a magazine," he said. Queensland’s coal-fired power stations are the youngest fleet in the country, and account for more than 60 per cent of the electricity generated in Queensland. Mr Janetzki highlighted the perils of failing to maintain this asset, with the example of recent failures at the Callide power complex and their impact on power supply. "We’ve delivered on our promise to implement the $1.4 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee for affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity for Queenslanders," he said. "Queensland’s government-owned generators now have key performance indicators for maintenance, personal safety, process safety, and plant performance outcomes. "Today I can reveal our new direction is already supporting more than $400 million in investment into maintenance of our government-owned generators in 2024-25. "This includes completion of the refurbishment of the cooling tower at Tarong Power Station, and upgrades of the Callide B1 and B2 units." Mr Janetzki also highlighted the role of gas in grid stability, saying Queensland was fortunate to possess huge gas reserves and now, finally, the political will to speak about it. "We currently have 3GW of gas for domestic use, but we do need more," he said. "Gas must again assume its intended role as back-stop as our energy system inevitably moves towards renewables and other clean energy sources in the decades ahead." He announced that the government had approved $134 million in funding to CS Energy to develop the 400-megawatt Brigalow gas peaker project at Kogan Creek. Related: Pipeline plans advance for Brigalow peaking power plant "I am also delighted to announce two additional new gas-fired generation projects progressing by our government-owned generators," he said. "CleanCo is investigating a new open cycle gas turbine at its Swanbank site while Stanwell is progressing the 114-megawatt Lockyer Energy Project with Quinbrook." The Queensland Resources Council welcomed the assurance on the continued role of coal and gas. “It’s critical that Queensland homes and businesses have access to affordable and reliable electricity through the energy transition and the decision to extend the use of coal-fired power and to support gas generation is necessary to achieve that,” QRC chief executive officer Janette Hewson said. “Whether it’s coal, gas, metals or critical minerals, all the resources found in Queensland are essential for our future energy needs. “Queensland’s coal and gas are needed to guarantee the reliable baseload electricity supply households and industry need, and replacement capacity must be available for any successful energy transition. “Our critical minerals will shape the future and are vital to meet current and future high demand for solar panels, wind turbines and batteries to generate and store clean energy. “With strict environmental standards, decarbonisation targets, innovative practices and responsible resource management, Queensland’s resources operators are already evolving to meet today’s challenges while securing a sustainable and resilient future.” You may also like: https://industryqld.com.au/state-backs-mount-rawdon-pumped-hydro-plans/

Coal, gas signposted as key elements in energy future

Industry Queensland

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