Queensland's energy policy is based on the year 2000 document called Energy Policy: A Cleaner Energy Strategy. The Queensland Government assists energy development through the Queensland Department of Energy and is most noted for its contribution to coal mining in Australia. Initial development in the middle of the 20th century facilitated the extraction of fossil fuels and distribution of natural gas and oil in pipelines from the south west of the state, under the leadership of Joh Bjelke-Petersen.^{[citation needed]}

About 80% of Queensland's electricity is produced from the burning of coal in major fossil fuel power stations including, Tarong Power Station and Stanwell Power Station.^{[citation needed]} The policy of Queensland stipulates that the government will not issue further generating licences for new coal fired power stations unless there is a clear and demonstrated need. It is expected that Queensland will need a major new power station by 2012.^{[citation needed]}

The Gladstone Power Station is the state's largest power station.

The current energy policy of Queensland will not set targets above the national mandates for renewable energy because of its significant economic impact. Despite having a clear statutory definition of renewable energy, renewable energy development in Queensland lags behind other Australian states at an insignificant 5% of total consumption, despite having an ample source of sunlight.^[1] Widespread access to numerous coal mines, including 10 mines in the major coal producing region of the Bowen Basin,^[2] has provided an abundant fuel source which is much cheaper to produce when compared to renewable sources.

The current policy has provided initiatives like the 13% Gas Scheme.^[3] These efforts and the 2006 halt to land clearing in Queensland, forms part of the state's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Western Corridor Recycled Water Project in the states south east, has been built to ensure water supply to power stations is maintained during drought in Australia.

The Queensland Government has made its own energy efficiency improvements under the Government Energy Management Strategy.

[edit] Concession Rebates/Discounts

• Electricity Rebate Scheme - $59.4 million
• Electricity Life Support Scheme - $0.5 million

[edit] See also

Queensland portal

• Energy policy of Australia

[edit] References

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[edit] External links

• Queensland largest greenhouse gas emitter in country