Queensland’s State Government and Rio Tinto have signed a statement of cooperation to harness the opportunities presented by clean energy and ensure that Central Queensland becomes one of the first regions in the world to benefit from the growth in demand for renewable energy.
Rio Tinto is the first partner to join the multi-signatory statement and will use their experience to help deliver future green industry for Queensland.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said supporting investment in renewables and hydrogen was part of the state’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19.
She said: “This week we’ve announced one of the world’s largest hydrogen electrolyser manufacturing plants will be built in Central Queensland.
“Today we’re signing a statement of cooperation with Rio Tinto to ensure Central Queensland can take advantage of our natural energy advantage and drive employment and economic outcomes from investment in renewable energy projects.
“By backing Queensland to become a renewable energy and hydrogen superpower we will create and sustain jobs long into the future.”
The government-industry initiative will secure future competitiveness for Queensland, adding value to a natural energy advantage to drive employment and economic outcomes for the state.
It will focus on three areas:
- Committing to industry by establishing certainty for current industry and growing demand;
- Delivering a globally competitive energy solution that is centred around firmed, low-carbon electricity for industry; and
- Growing the industries of the future in Central Queensland by creating an enabling regulatory environment, strengthening regional skills and employment to lower capital intensity, and planning for the infrastructure to enable industry development.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the government would work with industry to find ways to build more renewable energy faster.
He said: “This will demonstrate Queensland’s capability and attract investors looking to use clean energy to create their futures and the jobs that come with it.
“Together with Rio and with the support of future partners, we will ensure that we can make a valuable product in Queensland and export it to a world hungry for clean manufacturing and sustainable materials.”
Rio Tinto Aluminium chief executive Ivan Vella said transitioning to a low carbon economy presents a real opportunity for industrial regions if stakeholders are willing to both think differently and collaborate.
He said: “As Queensland’s largest energy user and a major Gladstone employer and manufacturer, Rio Tinto is uniquely positioned to work with the Queensland Government to deliver this vision.
“We have been in the region for more than 50 years and we share the State Government’s goals for decarbonisation, job creation and a vibrant industrial future for the region.
“We are working closely with the Queensland Government on the role we can play by underwriting long-term green offtake for our industrial assets.
This should help create the industrial demand needed to develop a globally competitive green energy solution and lead to more processing and manufacturing in Central Queensland.”