Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Act 2024

New legislation is now in place to support delivery of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP).

The Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Act 2024 was passed on 18 April 2024. The Act is the next key step in implementing the QEJP.

The plan lays out a vision for Queensland’s energy future, provides a clear pathway to clean, reliable and affordable power for generations, and sets a target of 80% renewable energy by 2035.

To make the plan a reality, the Act enshrines key commitments from the plan in law. It establishes frameworks to build the necessary infrastructure to transition Queensland to a clean economy future. It also creates the governance and advisory functions for a smooth, coordinated transformation.

Locking in our commitments

The Act gives Queenslanders certainty and confidence about our pathway for the energy transformation. Our commitments include:

• legislating Queensland’s 3 renewable energy targets
• enshrining  a commitment to public ownership of energy assets in law
• establishing the Job Security Guarantee Fund in law, to support affected energy workers.

Frameworks for a planned, coordinated transformation

Queensland SuperGrid

The Act creates the frameworks needed to build the Queensland SuperGrid. It requires us to review and update the Queensland SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint every 2 years from 2025, and what must be included. This ensures we have a carefully planned approach to achieving our renewable energy targets, while maintaining an affordable, reliable and secure electricity supply.

High voltage transmission network

The Act creates the framework to build the new high voltage transmission backbone needed to move power where and when it is needed.

Renewable Energy Zones

The Act establishes frameworks for Renewable Energy Zones, to unlock and coordinate investment in renewable energy generation.

Governance for a considered and inclusive approach

The Act establishes governance and advisory functions to support a smooth, coordinated energy transformation that supports workers and communities. This includes the:

• Queensland Energy System Advisory Board
• Energy Industry Council
• Queensland Renewable Energy Jobs Advocate.