A long-awaited state energy road map has set a course “back to the dark ages” after pledging to keep coal-fired power plants open for decades, critics say.
Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki has been accused of slamming the brakes on the state’s clean energy transition after unveiling the five-year plan on Friday.
The Liberal National government’s energy road map will ensure the state’s coal-fired power plants will keep burning until at least 2046.
It officially abolished the former Labor government’s plan to phase out coal-fired power generators by 2035, potentially putting pressure on federal emissions targets.
“It’s straight-up climate vandalism,” state Greens MP Michael Berkman said.
“The LNP haven’t just slammed the brakes on Queensland’s clean energy transition, they’ve pulled a massive U-turn and they’re speeding back to the dark ages.”
The average Queensland household would save $1035 a year on power bills compared to the former Labor government’s policies and energy system costs would reduce by $26 billion to 2035, the treasurer said.
“Coal will remain part of the state’s generation mix for decades,” Mr Janetzki said.
“The former Labor government’s decision to close coal units by 2035 regardless of their condition is officially abolished today.
“This is a sensible and pragmatic plan built on economics and engineering, not ideology.”
Queensland’s coal-fired generators are set to run until 2046 but the LNP government can extend operations as needed.
It is set to put pressure on a federal commitment to cut emissions by 62 to 70 per cent by 2035 and achieve 82 per cent renewable electricity by 2030.
The state’s targets may also be impacted with the LNP government committed to reaching net zero by 2050 and cutting emissions by 75 per cent by 2035.
Asked how the state government would achieve the interim 2035 target under the road map, Mr Janetzki said: “What we’ve delivered today is an energy plan but I’m making it clear we’re sticking to net zero by 2050”.
The LNP is set to introduce law changes next week repealing the former Labor government’s legislated targets of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035.
But the treasurer said renewables such as wind and solar would remain in the mix after announcing a $400 million Queensland Energy Investment Fund.
“(The) fund will be an open door to all renewable investment proponents,” Mr Janetzki said.
It will be managed by the Queensland Investment Corporation, inviting energy project investors to work with government-owned corporations and the private sector.
The government also backed the Copperstring project, an 1100km power line from Townsville to Mount Isa connecting the northwest’s mining region to the national grid.
The first stage is set to be completed by 2032, with $2.21 billion in savings already identified.
The LNP road map’s destination was higher power prices for Queenslanders, opposition deputy leader Cameron Dick said.
“This is a road map that … will leave Queenslanders paying the bill.”
LNP’s map to “fossil fuel fantasy land” may also lead to less reliable energy and more climate-driven disasters, the Queensland Conservation Council said.
Extending coal use would mean more outages, clean energy transition consultancy group NEXA Advisory warned.
“Queenslanders are being saddled with the most expensive energy option – the Queensland government has delivered a cul de sac, not a road map.”
The LNP plan did earn some fans, however.
“Extending coal-fired power stations will allow more time for replacement capacity to come online and ensure a powerful mix of supply,” Queensland Resources Council CEO Janette Hewson said.
“The road map provides a level of certainty for investors that Queensland supports coal and gas and exploration.”
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