Survey highlights renewables sector uncertainty

Policy stability has emerged as the key concern for Queensland’s renewable energy sector, but the state remains an attractive region for investment, according to a new survey. Queensland Renewable Energy Council chief executive officer Katie-Anne Mulder said the Executive Insights survey found only 6 per cent of respondents believed current state policies provided investment certainty. Meanwhile 26 per cent of respondents strongly disagreed, 33 per cent disagreed, and 35 per cent remained neutral. “Policy stability is now viewed as the most significant risk facing Queensland’s renewable energy sector—whereas previously, it did not rank among the top five concerns,” Ms Mulder said. Queensland Renewable Energy Council chief executive officer Katie-Anne Mulder. She said Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki’s recent commitment in State Parliament to develop an Energy Road Map in consultation with industry was a timely and welcome step. Related: State tightens reins on wind farm approvals “It is clear that recent policy decisions—such as the revision of the Wind Farm Code without industry input and the freezing of assessments for projects already under independent review—have driven industry uncertainty,” Ms Mulder said. “There is now a clear opportunity for government, industry, and stakeholders to collaborate on the Energy Road Map to ensure Queensland’s energy future is affordable, reliable, and sustainable.” The majority of the survey's 46 respondents were private developers and operators within the renewable energy sector, followed by advisors/consultants, representatives from government-owned corporations, investors, and equipment or service suppliers. The survey also showed that while policy uncertainty has impacted sentiment, Queensland remains competitive. Only 22 per cent of respondents felt the state was less attractive for investment compared to other regions, while 44 per cent found it attractive and 35 per cent were neutral. Ms. Mulder highlighted the positive engagement at the Minister’s first energy roundtable, where QREC participated in constructive discussions. “The Minister has committed to broader consultation, which QREC welcomes,” she said. “Queensland is a growing state. The rise of AI, the expansion of data centres, and the electrification and automation of industrial processes mean Queensland will require significantly more electricity. The renewable energy sector stands ready to meet this demand for Queensland homes and businesses.”

Survey highlights renewables sector uncertainty

Industry Queensland

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