Resources sector’s key role in energy transition
Click here for photo of QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson.
The Queensland Ministerial Energy Roundtable has been told of the key role the state’s resources sector will play in the global energy transition and that new investment is needed to ensure Queensland can achieve its targets.
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson today joined representatives from the energy sector discussing the path forward to achieving a reliable and affordable energy supply for Queensland homes and businesses.
“Queensland’s resources sector will be crucial to providing electricity grid stability and the critical materials that underpin the energy transition,” Ms Hewson said.
“From steelmaking coal and critical minerals which are essential to build solar panels, wind turbines and batteries, to the thermal coal and gas to keep the lights on in homes and power industry and businesses across Queensland.
“Queensland gas producers continue to play an essential role in our state’s energy system and supply to the east coast. This will become increasingly important as we progress through the energy transition.
“A balanced mix of resources and renewables is needed to achieve lower emissions targets and the lowest cost electricity for all Queenslanders.
“You can’t have one without the other, despite a misconception promoted by some that the energy transition means decommissioning mines and gas fields one day and activating solar and wind farms the next.”
Ms Hewson said new investment in the resources sector is crucial to delivering the new projects to support the energy transition and creating new jobs.
“Any transition presents challenges and this includes the need for new mines and gas fields to supply affordable and reliable energy for all consumers.”
Two important recent State Government announcements confirmed the key role of our resources sector in supporting the energy transition.
“Firstly, the extension of coal fired power stations proposed under a new five-year Energy Roadmap and secondly the progression of CopperString to unlock new mining projects in our minerals rich North West Minerals Province,” Ms Hewson said.
“Queensland has some of the largest coal reserves in the world and our coal industry is a vital part of the state’s economy, contributing 24% of all government revenue raised in Queensland.
“Queensland resources companies are committed to contributing to a lower emissions future through decarbonisation targets, climate transition plans, innovative practices and responsible resource management.
“QRC will continue to work constructively with the government to support the energy transition,” Ms Hewson said.
