Project report
The Situational Analysis Report will provide the foundations for, and align with, the report that will present the Strategies for Adaption to a Diversified Economy.
The methodology adopted for completing the Report was founded upon a robust consultation and engagement process to seek insights and feedback from key stakeholders, including Government officers, Council members, industry representatives, project proponents, business owners and community members.
The report includes an overview of the CWQ Regional Profile, Regional Development, Energy Priorities and Energy Projects currently under development. This background and context are integral to the assessments completed and the outcomes identified throughout the Report.
As has been clearly outlined in the work RAPAD has completed to date around regional strategy development, the CWQ region has a unique opportunity to transform itself and exploit the opportunities that exist as part of the global shift towards a decarbonised society. With the region’s abundant land and natural resources, a real opportunity exists to satisfy the growing demand for clean and green energy. It is in this context, and the highlighted imperative for enhanced resilience, that RAPAD has identified the transition of the energy industry as a key opportunity and priority for the region.
Most important amongst the recent strategy work, the “Realising the Big Vision Report” identified that the community of CWQ viewed the cost of energy as the biggest threat to the region’s future economic development and highlighted the impact this has on the overall liveability of the region.
The report includes a list of the major RAPAD sponsored energy projects that have already commenced investigations and concept designs, including the Barcaldine Renewable Energy Zone (BREZ), the RAPAD Power Grid Project centred on Barcaldine, and important renewable Energy developments being undertaken by Energy QLD in the off-grid western communities. These projects represent important catalysts for future development of renewable energy in the region and to catalyse ongoing opportunities associated with the transition of the energy industry.
To round out the strategic overview component of this report, there is a discussion of current Australian Government, State Government, and regional policies, plans and commitments and how they align with the objectives outlined by RAPAD. The strategic framework highlights the complexity and dynamic nature of the transition of the energy industry. The report notes that with this change comes a range of potential opportunities for the CWQ region.
The Situational Analysis report presents a thorough assessment of the existing energy infrastructure throughout the CWQ region, owned and operated by QLD Government entities such as Energy QLD, Ergon Energy Networks and Ergon Energy Retail, as well as privately owned renewable energy generation plant such as large-scale solar farms, and privately owned residential and commercial rooftop solar PV. An analysis of data supplied by Ergon Energy Network of rooftop solar PV Generation in the RAPAD region indicates that the average penetration of rooftop solar systems (~17.7%) is well below the Queensland average. This in turn may lead to an opportunity for CWQ residents and councils to take some action to grow this resource.
An assessment was also completed of council owned property and energy consumption data provided by most of the RAPAD councils and this indicated that many council owned buildings/properties were found capable of potentially supporting rooftop solar PV installations exceeding 30kWp. Some council sites selected already have existing rooftop solar PV installations. Additionally, the inclusion of battery energy storage systems (BESS) on both existing properties with solar PV, and for future developments, should be explored to maximise cost-reductions.
To round out this assessment report, an analysis of renewable energy resource potential for the region (considering solar and wind resources) was undertaken and provides indicative options for renewable energy generation technology integration for the CWQ region. This section also identifies potential short-term opportunities and technology solutions that may address unabated energy consumption for key assets and facilities of the RAPAD member Councils.
A final chapter listing recommendations and opportunities is provided for review and actioning by the RAPAD Board and member councils.
