The University of Queensland’s (UQ’s) Warwick Solar Farm has been officially opened.
Speaking at the opening, the Minister for State Development, Kate Jones said the 64-megawatt project meant UQ was the first university in the world to have all of its power come from its own renewable energy asset.
“Queensland is already a world leader in the take-up of household solar rooftops and this is another global energy title,” Ms Jones said.
“The global Coronavirus pandemic is impacting economies around the world and Queensland is no different.”
She said backing the renewable energy sector was an important part of the State’s economic recovery plan.
‘This is about driving down emissions, putting downward pressure on power prices and creating jobs,” Ms Jones said.
“The Warwick Solar Farm will support the research and development of innovative new energy solutions such as emerging battery energy storage and hydrogen conversion technologies.”
Minister for Energy, Anthony Lynham said the solar farm was the latest addition to Queensland’s existing suite of renewable energy generation projects.
“Our renewable energy revolution is rolling out, providing jobs and lower power prices for Queenslanders,” Dr Lynham said.
“Queensland now has 6,600MW of large-scale renewable generation either operational or committed.”
He said the State was forecast to reach 20 per cent renewable generation this year and on target to reach the Government’s commitment of 50 per cent by 2030.
“Our publicly-owned clean energy generator, CleanCo, will continue this growth with its remit to bring on an extra 1,000 megawatts of clean energy by 2025,” Dr Lynham said.
