Townsville is set for an electrifying day of discussion at the North Queensland Green Energy Futures Forum, hosted by Townsville Enterprise on Thursday 2 May at The Ville Resort, Townsville.
The third Green Energy Futures Forum will bring leaders and investors together from industry, research and government to share their thoughts and visions on the evolution of the green energy industry, helping us shape and develop a cooperative approach to tackle the challenges and harness the opportunities ahead of us here in North Queensland.
Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith highlights the importance of the forum as we move to claim our place as leaders in the national energy transition.
“Hosting this Green Energy Forum for the third time is exciting, both for Townsville Enterprise as an organisation, but also for North Queensland as a region because it means we are progressing this new industry, we are securing investments, and we are starting to build. We are incredibly proud to offer our first ever industry tours for incoming investors the day after the forum. Doing those tours gets to show how far this industry has come in the last 3 years,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.
“Since the investment announcement of CopperString at last year’s Green Energy Forum by the State Government, the North Queensland project pipeline has grown to more than $14.1 billion of renewable projects, representing over 40% of the total investment pipeline value expected until 2030. With the North currently generating approximately 1,600 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of power annually from renewables, an output substantial enough to power 200,000 homes, the delivery of announced projects across the CopperString network will see the projected capacity increase our renewable generation by more than tenfold, thanks to the world leading solar and wind resources we have in our backyard.”
Windlab's Chief Development Officer Nathan Blundell said North Queensland has a vital role to play in the transformation of Australia's energy system.
"North Queensland is home to some of the most strategically critical renewable energy resources in the world, and North Queensland wind is an irreplaceable component in the energy mix we need to achieve our global decarbonisation commitments and net zero by 2050," Mr Blundell said.
"As the major port and industrial centre for the region, with strong supply and manufacturing capacity and a highly skilled industrial workforce, Townsville is uniquely positioned at the centre of the region's renewable energy future.”
"Windlab looks forward to working with communities, leaders, suppliers and contractors as we unlock our regional development pipeline, and deliver lasting, meaningful benefits we can all share."
Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef, Senator Nita Green, said places like regional Queensland are sitting on a goldmine of renewable potential.
“With our sunny skies and boundless innovation, we’re ready to lead the charge in renewable energy manufacturing. These projects aren’t just about creating jobs; they’re about kickstarting our economy and putting Queensland on the map as a renewable energy powerhouse.”
“This is why I am looking forward to speaking at Townsville Enterprise’s Secure the Future: Green Energy Forum in May. It’s a chance to talk about how our government can team up with industry, schools, and local governments to make sure North Queensland doesn’t miss out on these opportunities.”
