The 230 companies, both local and international, who registered their interest for renewable-energy opportunities as part of the QLD SuperGrid, announced in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, are set to help the manufacturing and jobs business boom.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Steven Miles, said companies from Queensland, interstate and overseas had quickly recognised the potential of Queensland’s energy-system transformation.
“Already, more than 230 companies have responded to the prospectus, answering our call to explore the many opportunities ahead,” Mr Miles said.
“Around half of these, more than 100 companies, are manufacturers wanting to consider the possibilities for building energy equipment and other assets here in Queensland.
“These are the companies who will potentially build our new wind turbines, solar panels, batteries, green hydrogen systems, pumped-hydro facilities and energy transmission networks right here in Queensland.
“Investment in new renewable energy projects over the next 15 years is expected to exceed $62 billion, so it’s an incredible economic opportunity.
“Because so much of this investment will be procured by Queensland Government Owned Corporations, we will have the chance to direct our purchasing power into local manufacturing and local jobs.”
Through until 2035, Queensland’s energy transformation will need:
- More than 2,000 wind towers and nacelles
- More than 7,000 wind tower blades
- Almost 25 million solar PV modules
- Nearly 7,000 batteries
Queensland Energy Minister, Mick de Brenni, said companies had shown great interest in building the manufacturing capacity in Queensland to deliver the SuperGrid.
“Companies of all sizes, areas of expertise, and global reach have told us they want to be part of the energy transformation,” Mr de Brenni said.
“We are bringing back manufacturing to Queensland – from companies in the state looking to expand, to overseas companies looking to move here, there are hundreds of businesses who want to help build the Queensland SuperGrid.
“That includes the supply of raw materials and components needed by manufacturers as well as the goods and services required to assemble, install, operate and maintain energy assets.
“Our approach is about being builders, not just buyers, and through our Buy Queensland procurement approach, we can aggregate demand for components that have traditionally been wholly imported, and instead start an industrial scale manufacturing revolution.”
Mr Miles said companies who had responded to the prospectus were now part of a Queensland Treasury Corporation market-sounding process identifying existing Queensland-based capability and participation readiness as well as manufacturing opportunities.
“Importantly this process will also convey to the government the roles it could play in supporting the industry to bring the local manufacturing opportunities to life,” Mr de Brenni said.
The information will be reported to the government in March 2023 to inform the release of requests for proposal later in 2023.
The prospectus remains open for registrations of interest.
Feature image: Deputy Premier, Steven Miles, at the top of a wind turbine at Kaban Wind Farm in Far North Queensland, courtesy of the Queensland Government.
