An industry survey commissioned by the Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) has found community acceptance is both the biggest risk and most significant opportunity for the State’s clean energy transition.
QREC Chief Executive Officer Katie-Anne Mulder said while 83% of respondents to the industry survey believed the clean energy transition in Queensland was “on the right track”, they also ranked the need for community acceptance and support ahead of assessment processes, transmission availability and capacity, policy stability and supply chain requirements.
“Working cooperatively and collaboratively with the community is the key to the clean energy transition and maximising the benefits of large-scale renewable and transmission infrastructure,” Ms Mulder said.
“Strengthening partnerships and building an enduring social license is a priority for our members and for QREC as the State’s dedicated renewable energy representative body.”
The results also show QREC members are seeking more policy certainty and bi-partisanship with the State election due on 26 October.
“Survey responses noted Government initiatives to enshrine the two-year-old Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, together with the emission reduction legislation passed this year provide more clarity on future targets, plans and roadmaps which have led to significant momentum for the renewable energy sector in Queensland,” she said.
“The overwhelming message from those surveyed was the clean energy transition is on track and it was important to maintain this momentum.”
“The QREC Executive Insights Survey is the first in an on-going series which will be used to track sentiment within the industry over time, both at the whole of transition level and on specific issues.
“For example, the survey shows the understanding of how the REZ framework will support project delivery and create investment certainty is still developing.”
View report: QREC Executive Insights Survey Results – September 2024
As Queensland’s only renewable peak industry body, Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) represents stakeholders across solar, wind, pumped hydro, electricity transmission, battery storage, and renewable fuels. QREC collaborates with industry, communities, and all levels of government to drive the growth of Queensland’s renewable energy sector.
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