Queensland is asking for more information on the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) to find out what’s in it for the Sunshine State.
In a media release, the state’s Energy Minister Mark Bailey described the detail of the plan as “threadbare”. He said the Federal Government needs to work with the states and provide detailed financial modelling to back up the new policy.
Mr Bailey also asserted that Queensland is “better placed” than other regions to help the Turnbull Government in establishing energy guarantees.
Queensland NEG questions to the minister
Queensland is committed to achieving a 50% renewable energy target by 2030 through its state power plan.
It is also the only state on the mainland currently not at risk of near-future electricity shortfalls. This is largely due to its efficient and relatively young fleet of power plants.
Mr Bailey is asking several questions of the Turnbull Government, including how the plan will tackle emissions and climate change.
He also wants to know how the government will guarantee Queensland’s energy security.
Other pertinent questions include determining how savings will be delivered, and how renewable energy investment will be impacted.
Federal Minister discusses NEG with states
Yesterday, a COAG energy council teleconference took place between the federal and state energy ministers.
Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg confirmed during the call that no financial modelling had yet been done. He also promised to deliver more detail and modelling when it becomes available.
While the Queensland government understands the need for policy certainty, it says it cannot back a plan based on so little information.
About Queensland’s power plan
Queensland’s energy policy is known as the ‘Powering Queensland Plan’. As well as adopting a 50 per cent renewable energy target, the plan has a range of aims and activities. These include:
- Investment of over $1 billion to provide secure and affordable energy supply.
- Support for the transition to cleaner energy, including for investment and jobs.
- Creation of a North Queensland clean energy hub.
- Facilitating 100MW of energy storage through a reverse auction scheme.
- Support for large-scale renewable energy projects.
Another part of Queensland’s power plan is ongoing advocacy for stable energy policies – as it is currently doing through its discussions with the Federal Government regarding the NEG.
