Korea key to unlocking the North's green energy potential
Townsville Enterprise’s annual Unlock the North Road Trip and Investor Mission to South Korea has concluded.
Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith and Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill met with some of the largest Korean companies and investors in South Korea this week and showcased Townsville North Queensland’s green energy and manufacturing potential.
Townsville Enterprise CEO, Claudia Brumme-Smith said the investor mission was incredibly valuable for securing Townsville North Queensland’s green energy future.
“The Mayor and I showcased the region’s green energy and manufacturing credentials as the future world leader in green hydrogen, critical minerals and battery production to top Korean companies including SK Ecoplant, Samsung, Siemens Energy, EcoNetwork and Posco,” Mrs Brumme-Smith said.
“Our mission started where it all began – Korea Zinc. The mother company of Sun Metals and the key to Australia and South Korea’s strong partnership. South Korea is our region’s largest trading partner thanks to the establishment of Sun Metals in Townsville three decades ago – Townsville Enterprise’s first advocacy win.”
“South Korea plans to source a third of its energy from hydrogen by 2050, making the gas the largest single source of energy nationally. Townsville North Queensland has all the right ingredients to lead the nation’s green energy and hydrogen revolution.”
“Austrade, Trade and Invest Queensland and the Australian Ambassador hosted and connected us with further Korean investors and top Korean companies. We’ve already had some of the companies express interest in wanting to travel to our region for a renewable energy investment mission as a result of our connections made here.”
“This week has reinforced that our region is attractive for investment and that we are on the right track to secure our future by focusing on renewables, batteries, and critical minerals. We have what the world including Korea desperately needs to decarbonise.”
Just this week, Queensland Pacific Metals announced its strategic collaboration with General Motors.
“The agreement includes an equity investment of $108M AUD to help accelerate nickel production at Queensland Pacific Metal’s proposed Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub. This is another sign of confidence for Townsville North Queensland’s green manufacturing and energy potential,” Mrs Brumme-Smith said.
“This time is now. We need to ensure we have the key infrastructure in place, and have the local, state, and federal government support to capitalise on this opportunity and secure the future of Townsville North Queensland.”
Mayor Jenny Hill said the Green Energy Road Trip was successful, with emerging opportunities between Korea and Townsville flagged with Council and TEL.
“It’s been great to connect with leaders in Korea, particularly in the green energy space. There has been significant interest in the Queensland Pacific Metals and GM agreement announcement, as well as in Townsville’s hydrogen opportunities,” Cr Hill said.
“We will be expecting our first visitors from Korea following the Green Energy Road Trip in the next four weeks and look forward to continuing to work with Korea for mutually-beneficial trade and investment.”
