The Australian Energy Ministers Meeting (EMM) will meet today for the first time since the formation of the Albanese Government as Queensland leads the way with renewables to keep downward pressure on electricity.
“I am taking to this meeting a sense of optimism that the new Albanese Government’s cooperative and collaborative approach will yield better results than has been seen previously,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Secondly, I will take to this meeting direct input from the Queensland energy industry, the conservation sector and energy consumers who will meet with me this morning to provide guidance on how to deliver the best outcome for Queensland.”
Minister de Brenni said he was convening the Queensland Ministerial Energy Council and major market participants jointly, to ensure full consideration of all options ahead of the EMM.
The joint meeting will also consider steps the Palaszczuk Government is already taking to put downward pressure on energy prices.
Minister de Brenni said more renewables were the cheapest method of resolving the impacts of the global market and when matched with local manufacturing, could deliver Australia much needed energy independence.
“Whilst all options are on the table for consideration at the EMM, Queensland would continue to promote policy responses that supported our record on delivering new, cheaper and cleaner generation into the market,” Mr de Brenni said.
“The formula we are following to keep downward pressure on power prices focuses on connecting more renewables and back-up storage to our grid.
“We are scheduled to deliver at least another 10 solar, five wind farms, three large-scale batteries and one pumped hydro scheme by 2024.
“By the end of 2024, this project pipeline will add more than 1,700 megawatts of wind, 1,363 megawatts of solar and at least 300 megawatts of storage into Queensland’s energy system.
“Queensland will also maintain its advantage by owning it’s power assets, so we continue to return the dividends to Queenslanders, like the recent $175 Cost of Living rebate.”
