The answer to cheaper and cleaner energy has been blowing in the wind for years — and finally the federal government has realized, green energy advocates say.
Key points:
- $160 million will be spent to connect a wind farm precinct to the grid
- The infrastructure is already under construction
- Chris Bowen says it will put “downward pressure” on power prices
This week’s announcement that the federal government will foot the bill to connect the Southern Renewable Energy Zone to the national electricity market is historic, according to the Queensland Conservation Council.
“We’re finally seeing some clarity from government on the fact that we are transitioning to renewables,” council director Dave Copeman said.
“For too long, it was a political football. And that just meant there was no certainty for investors.”
Mr Copeman said that “lack of certainty” had hurt Queenslanders in the hip pocket.
“Our power bills have gone up… but this decision says the future of power will be cleaner and cheaper,” he said.
“There’s no fuel price for wind or solar, it doesn’t go up and down when you have international crises.
“It just gets cheaper and cheaper the more you build.”
The Macintyre wind farm precinct, which is one of two projects in the Southern Renewable Energy Zone, is expected to be operational on the Southern Downs in 2024.
Nail in the coffin for fossil fuels?
Not too far from the Southern Renewable Energy Zone is the town of Acland, home to the New Acland Coal Mine.
Owners of the mine are hoping to expand its operation.
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