The Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) has welcomed today’s agreement to secure the long-term future of the Boyne aluminium smelter in Gladstone, underpinned by renewable energy.
QREC Chief Executive Katie-Anne Mulder said the substantial commitment between Rio Tinto, the Queensland Government and the Commonwealth highlights the central role renewable energy now plays in sustaining globally competitive heavy industry in regional Queensland.
“Renewable energy is crucial to delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity in Queensland,” Ms Mulder said.
“One of Australia’s most energy-intensive industrial facilities will now be powered by renewable energy backed by storage and firming.
“Renewables are doing the heavy lifting for heavy industry.”
In its announcement, Rio Tinto recognises the agreement is expected to position Boyne among the first aluminium smelters globally to be underpinned by wind and solar energy.
The company also sets out in the announcement that the investment, alongside existing power purchase agreements, will support the smelter’s competitiveness as energy markets evolve. It will help secure the future of aluminium smelting in Gladstone, maintaining Queensland’s fully integrated aluminium value chain—from bauxite mining through to alumina refining and smelting— at a time of growing global demand linked to the energy transition.
Ms Mulder said the agreement reinforces Gladstone’s role as a national clean industrial hub and validates the region’s growing pipeline of renewable energy projects and infrastructure.
“This is exactly the type of outcome QREC has been advocating for—linking renewable energy supply with long-term industrial demand to unlock investment, jobs and regional growth,” she said.
“Prioritising Central Queensland’s renewable energy infrastructure is critical to realising this opportunity.
“It will support major industrial users like Boyne, accelerate new projects, strengthen the grid and deliver long-term benefits for local communities.”