A new report confirming the renewable energy sector is already making a significant economic and social contribution to Queensland was released in Brisbane last night – with industry data demonstrating far greater benefits to flow as more company data is captured, and planned projects move into construction and operation.

The Queensland Renewable Energy Council’s (QREC) 2024–25 Renewable Industry Economic and Social Contribution Survey, drawing on data from eight member companies, found a total contribution of around $1 billion to Queensland’s economy.

Released at QREC’s Energy Connect event with Treasurer and Energy Minister the Hon. David Janetzki MP, QREC Chief Executive Officer Katie-Anne Mulder said renewable energy projects are creating jobs, supporting local businesses and Indigenous suppliers, and delivering meaningful community benefits across Queensland.

The inaugural report, developed as a proof-of-concept to capture year-on-year total contribution to Queensland’s economy, found the participating companies, combined:

  • spent $456 million directly in Queensland supporting 3252 jobs and paying $280 million in wages;
  • supported 759 Queensland companies with $412 million in spending, including $6.9 million with Indigenous suppliers, as well as $1.7 million to 125 community organisations; and
  • paid more than $3 million to the Queensland Government, in addition to more than $500,000 in payments to local governments on rates, and fees and charges.

Queensland’s regions received significant benefits with a total of $926 million spent in southern Queensland through local jobs, local businesses, and contributions to councils and community initiatives, $40.4 million in central Queensland, and $14.2 million in north Queensland.

“This is just the beginning. Queensland’s renewable energy industry is still emerging, with many projects in the pipeline that are not yet under construction, and we’re excited to see the results in future years as we capture more company data,” Ms Mulder said.

“As announced projects move through planning assessment and approvals stages and more data is captured, the tangible value in terms of investment, economic benefit and employment will only increase and spread more widely across regional Queensland.”

“This $1 billion contribution for last financial year – almost $20 million per week – by eight companies alone is underpinned by real investment in Queensland’s economy and renewables future.  There are almost 8 gigawatts of committed generation and storage projects across Queensland, valued at more than $10.7 billion. These projects will continue to expand the support for skilled workers, regional supply chains and long-term community benefits.

QREC’s Queensland Renewables Growth and Investment Strategy released in August 2025 identified more than 140 gigawatts of renewable energy projects at various stages of development across the state, representing over $29 billion in potential investment. As these projects progress, they will provide significant economic growth and diversification for regional communities.

“The opportunity for regional Queensland is something we are proud to be part of,” Ms Mulder said.

“If wind, solar, and storage can be prioritised through the Energy Roadmap underpinned by workable planning laws, the renewable energy industry is well positioned to deliver lasting economic, social and employment benefits through to 2030 and well beyond.”

“These findings underline that renewables are already delivering value today, as well as the scale of what lies ahead’. It shows we are just getting started.”

The eight participating companies are Acciona, Ark Energy, Cubico, Neoen, RES, Tilt Renewables, WestWind Energy and Windlab.

View the Queensland-wide Economic & Social Contribution Snapshot here