How the estimates area calculated

The Queensland renewable energy targets require that 50% of Queensland’s electricity generation is sourced from renewables by 2030, 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035.

Queensland already has significant renewable generation capacity and there are times when renewable generation exceeds 50%. However, there are variations in resource availability and dispatchability of both renewable and non-renewable generation.

The calculation of progress towards, and achievement of, the renewable energy targets in Queensland is on an electricity generation basis:

where generation refers to energy generated, measured in units such as megawatt-hours (MWh) or gigawatt-hours (GWh). The calculation aims to include all (as far as practicable) significant generators in Queensland. The generation estimates are limited to electricity generated within Queensland; energy generated outside of Queensland and transported into the state via interconnectors is excluded.

This calculation captures primary energy generation only. Secondary generation from energy carriers such as batteries and pumped hydro energy storage schemes are excluded from the calculation.

The calculation also excludes systems that displace the need for electricity, such as solar hot water systems and energy efficiency measures.

All parameters are “as generated”, meaning generator auxiliary loads are included in the calculation.

The calculation relies on publicly available information from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) for electricity generation data. Generally, this is generator metered output at 5-minute intervals.

AEMO also provides estimates for the generation from rooftop solar PV systems for residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Where AEMO measured output or estimates are not available, the calculation relies on estimates provided by the Department of Energy and Climate. These estimates are calculated using plant-specific capacity and published generation profiles where available, otherwise assumed generation profiles are applied.