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Resources fuel our energy needs
Queensland is a world powerhouse in coal production. Coal and other fossil fuels such as petroleum products and natural gas make up 98 per cent of the state's energy usage. Queensland's world-class mining industry makes a significant contribution to the state's economy in terms of energy security and as a key driver of regional development. As such, the Queensland Government is pursuing policies that not only provide economic and social benefits from the mining industry, but also deliver strongly improved environmental outcomes.
While continuing to develop Queensland's traditional energy sources, the Queensland Government is investing in a portfolio of measures to transition the state towards a low-carbon economy and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the stationary energy sector. This portfolio includes low emission coal technologies, renewable energy technologies, and energy efficiency measures.
The State Government has also played a key role in supporting the developing gas industry, implementing the Queensland Gas Scheme. Under the scheme, Queensland electricity retailers and other liable parties are required to source a prescribed percentage (currently 15 per cent) of their electricity from gas-fired generation.
Renewable sources of energy account for approximately 4 per cent of the state's energy production. Bagasse, a waste from sugar cane processing, is by far the major renewable energy source, but wood and wood wastes, hydro electricity, wind and solar power are also helping Queensland meet the challenge of reducing its impact on the environment.
In November 2008 Queensland Premier Anna Bligh established the Office of Clean Energy (OCE) to fast track the development of Queensland's renewable energy industry. OCE has commenced a number of renewable energy, energy efficiency and demand management related projects that will contribute to the transition to a low carbon future. In addition, OCE has launched a Renewable Energy Plan which aims to attract investment in renewable energy generation to Queensland under the Renewable Energy Target - to ensure that 20 per cent of Australia's electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020.
The Queensland Government will continue to promote the use of clean energy and energy efficiency while emerging low emission coal technologies and renewable energy technologies are being developed.
For information on how renewable and low emission coal technologies work visit the Queensland´s Energy Futures website.
Delivering energy to Queenslanders
The Queensland Government encourages new investment in the state and develops policies and regulation to ensure continued delivery of competitively priced and reliable energy to all Queenslanders.
Queenslanders receive their energy through a mix of private and government-owned organisations that own and operate energy generation plants and transmission and distribution networks across the state.
Last updated 23 June 2011