Sun power outstrips Gladstone: Lynham

SOLAR panels in Queensland can now produce twice as much electricity as the state’s biggest power station, according to Energy Minister Anthony Lynham.

Dr Lynham said rooftop solar and solar farms together had just passed the 4000 megawatts milestone for generating capacity.

That compared with the 1680 megawatts of capacity at the state’s biggest power station at Gladstone.

“More than 560,000 Queensland roofs now sport solar systems and 30 solar farms are now generating across the state,” Dr Lynham said.

“The incentives in the Palaszczuk Government’s Affordable Energy Plan are fuelling the renewable energy switch by Queenslanders and unlocking new market segments and jobs for solar installers.

“Under our solar and battery scheme that provides loans and grants, almost 2500 households and small businesses have installed a battery system with a further 1500 people with approval to do so before the program ends mid next year.

“Queenslanders are embracing solar energy because they know that solar reduces power bills and carbon emissions.”

Dr Lynham said Queensland was on track to achieve its 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030 and was forecast to hit 20 per cent next year.

“And we are also turning our remote isolated communities renewable, like Lockhart River and Doomadgee Aboriginal communities, where solar is replacing expensive, high-emission diesel,” he said.