A one-day summit staged in Townsville this month will highlight the huge economic potential of renewable energy and solar storage in North Queensland.
The Powering North Queensland Summit will explore the employment and economic opportunities presented by renewable energy and energy storage projects.
It will focus on the potential of residential, commercial and large-scale solar projects in the north of the state.
In addition, it will promote investment in the generation and storage of renewable energy in North Queensland, including the Sun Metals solar farm.
Queensland summit backs renewable energy
In May, Townsville’s Sun Metals zinc refinery began construction of a $199 million solar farm, with 1.3 million solar panels, adjacent to its factory complex.
The investment was welcomed by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. The Premier also confirmed the Queensland Government’s policy target of 50 per cent renewables by 2030.
“What we are seeing is private investment of $2 billion and $1.6 billion in north Queensland,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Upon completion, Sun Metals will be the largest single site user of renewable energy. This is a unique project and is a great example of an innovative company investing in its future and North Queensland.”
The Sun Metal installation benefits from Townsville’s solar irradiation levels of around 5.73 kilowatt hours per square metre daily.
Solar storage a major summit focus
The summit will bring together key stakeholders in the renewable energy industry. The aim is to develop a plan for powering North Queensland with a range of green energy options.
Participants will include project developers, renewable energy companies, industry bodies, energy and infrastructure companies, investors, government representatives, trade unions and community groups.
In addition, the Powering North Queensland Summit includes:
- Address by John Grimes, Chief Executive of Australian Solar Council.
- Energy Storage Council discussion on the rise of renewable energy.
- Insights into large-scale solar PV projects in Northern Queensland, including Sun Metals, Ross River solar farm and other significant initiatives.
The Queensland Premier and Opposition Leader are expected to speak at the event.
The summit is at 8.45am to 4pm on August 31 at Rydges Southbank in Townsville.
