Gladstone summit tackles energy transition

Gladstone is hosting an energy summit this week, billed as an opportunity for industry heavyweights to discuss how to manage changes to the energy sector across Central Queensland. Electricity companies Stanwell, CleanCo and CS Energy are joining the Energy Futures Summit along with industry players such as local refinery operator Rio Tinto. Representatives from all tiers of government, unions, environment groups, education institutions and Traditional Owner groups are also involved in the closed-door discussion, running today and tomorrow. The Next Economy chief executive officer Amanda Cahill said the summit couldn’t come at a better time for Central Queensland, as people were wanting to look to the future, but were also increasingly concerned about what the changes to the energy sector meant for the region. “There is a bright and prosperous future awaiting Central Queensland if we can seize the opportunities available right now in renewable energy generation, manufacturing and green hydrogen," Dr Cahill said. "But first, we need to support industry, workers and communities through these changes so that everyone benefits. “Regional leaders across industry, government and civil society are tired of waiting for state and federal governments to lead on this issue. The region wants to see better coordination and funding from both the State and Federal Governments to better manage the energy transition.” Stanwell chief executive officer Richard Van Breda said the summit provided a valuable opportunity to join key energy stakeholders to explore how to work together and create a positive future for the region. “Australia is undergoing a major energy transition and it’s happening at a rapid pace," Mr Van Breda said. "The energy market is shifting from fossil fuel generation to renewable energy and storage. Stanwell must transition its business through a shift towards new energy technology. “We recognise that over time, the changes our business must make in order to remain relevant to our customers, will affect the futures of our people and current asset communities. "We are therefore taking early steps to bring our people, communities, unions and government together to put plans in place. These plans will help ensure that as we eventually retire our assets from service, our people have choices in relation to retraining, redeployment and – where it is their preference - retirement.” Australian Conservation Foundation climate and energy program manager Gavan McFadzean said the world was rapidly moving away from coal and gas to renewable energy and Gladstone, with its skilled workforce, deep port, industrial base and proximity to Asian markets, was well placed to take advantage of the jobs boom in new industries. “In the absence of federal and state leadership, it’s essential that local communities in coal and gas regions take charge in developing plans to create the jobs and industries of the future in a low-carbon-pollution world. This summit is a breakthrough with key stakeholders coming together to develop that plan,” Mr McFadzean said. “Gladstone can be a global clean energy superpower in the next decade by replacing coal and gas with renewable energy in existing industries like aluminium smelting, and through manufactured products like green hydrogen, steel and aluminium.” The outcomes and recommendations from the Summit will be presented back to participants and the State Government for consideration in planning processes.

Gladstone summit tackles energy transition

Industry Queensland

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