Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has committed more than $150 million to expand renewable energy in the state.
The premier made the announcement during a visit to the Clare Solar Farm in Ayr on Sunday.
“We know there is a renewable energy boom in this state,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We anticipate there is going to be in the order of $20 billion worth of investment happening in Queensland.
“That has the capability of creating more than 15,000 jobs and these jobs are predominantly in regional Queensland.”
Ms Palaszczuk said $50 million would go into the construction of a new solar thermal baseload generator, and $97 million would be spent on installing solar panels at Queensland school.
An additional $3.6 million would go towards helping remote communities reduce their carbon footprint.
The commitment is part of the government’s strategy to reach its goal of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
The premier criticised Liberal National Party leader Tim Nicholls’ promise to build a coal-fired power plant in North Queensland.
“We have heard Tim Nicholls backing a brand new coal-fired power station that would take seven years to construct,” she said.
“(It) would end up being more expensive than what renewables are coming onto line at the moment.”
A solar thermal plant would only take 18 months to build, the premier said.
