State rewiring energy future as project blows out again
Queensland's government looks set to abandon legislated emissions reduction targets after flagging reviews and the extension of coal mining.
Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki has outlined the Liberal National Party government's energy road map, involving a five-year plan to be delivered by the end of 2025.
Speaking to the Queensland Energy Club on Tuesday, Mr Janetzki ranged across mining, gas, renewable energy and private-sector engagement to deliver projects.
He proposed an expansion of gas exploration and the repeal of current renewable energy targets, which he described as "unachievable", and later told reporters that emissions target legislation will be reviewed.
A vision towards 50 per cent emissions reduction targets by 2030, and 75 per cent by 2035, were enshrined by the previous state government in 2024.
The laws also locked in an 80 per cent renewable energy generation target by 2035, and entrenched public ownership of energy assets.
The LNP government says it is committed to net zero by 2050.
"We've committed to repeal the renewable energy targets," Mr Janetzki said.
"The legislation, which both contains the emissions and renewables targets, will be reviewed during the course of the year as we develop the energy road map."
Mr Janetzki also announced the state-owned Callide B coal-fired power station will operate past its technical end of life.
The treasurer said coal-fired power accounts for more than 60 per cent of the electricity generated in Queensland, with the state boasting the youngest fleet in Australia.
He flagged that coal-fired plants will not be closed just to meet the needs of a "media release or brochure".
"This will be done very methodically and calmly and that review will be undertaken during the course of the year," he said.
"There will be coal generators that operate beyond 2035."
Environmental lobbyists have slammed proposed gas exploration and the Callide B decision.
"Supporting an expansion of the gas industry will only benefit huge multinational petroleum companies, and leave ordinary Queenslanders worse off," Lock the Gate's Ellen Roberts said.
Extending Callide B's working life could cost up to $420 million and expose people to higher risks of outages and pollution, Queensland Conservation Council's Dave Copeman said.
A key energy project to connect multiple regions has meanwhile suffered another cost blowout, to more than double its original estimate.
CopperString, originally slated at $5 billion, will connect Queensland's northwest to the grid through an 840km power line running from south of Townsville to Mount Isa.
After winning the 2024 election, the new government announced that the cost of CopperString had increased to $9 billion after receiving internal briefing documents.
It has now risen again to $13.9 billion, following a closer examination of the project and consultation with transmission operator Powerlink.
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