Queensland’s Energy Roadmap 2025: A Reset for the State’s Transition
While the world watches Queensland prepare for the 2032 Olympics, the State is also taking the gold medal in long-term energy planning though in this race, sprinting toward targets doesn’t always win. The release of the Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025 offers a glimpse into how the state might balance affordability, reliability and sustainability over the decades ahead.
After several years of ambitious renewable targets and rapid transition timelines, the roadmap feels like a step back to make sure the energy system remains dependable and cost effective, while still moving toward net zero by 2050. It seems designed to protect regional jobs, strengthen grid reliability and attract new investment across generation, transmission and firming projects. Notably, it signals the ongoing importance of gas as a flexible source to support system security during periods of low renewable output.
Under the plan, Queensland’s state-owned coal generation assets will continue operating until the end of their technical lives, potentially into the 2040s. This approach appears to balance stability with the need to build new capacity across gas, storage and renewable projects. While previous renewable energy targets are being repealed, renewable generation and storage still play a central role in the state’s long-term strategy.
A new $400 million Investor Gateway Fund, managed by the Queensland Investment Corporation, is expected to encourage private sector investment in new generation, storage and firming projects. This is backed by a $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee, which should help maintain the reliability of existing assets during the transition.
The roadmap also points to a need for up to 2.6 gigawatts of new gas-fired generation by 2035, reinforcing gas as a reliable and flexible element of the future energy mix. At the same time, the creation of regional energy hubs could help coordinate new generation and transmission infrastructure, replacing the previous Renewable Energy Zone model and making sure capacity is developed where it is most needed.
For those involved in energy and resources projects, the roadmap suggests a range of opportunities. Developers gain a clearer view of Queensland’s long-term energy mix. Transmission operators may find it easier to plan major network upgrades with confidence. Gas operators, renewable developers and industrial energy users alike stand to benefit from a system that seems to prioritise firming and reliability while still supporting decarbonisation goals.
Overall, the roadmap is a pragmatic reset for Queensland’s energy transition. It puts reliability and affordability front and centre while laying the foundation for new investment in gas, storage and transmission to support a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
How Bellwether Can Help
Bellwether Consulting provides hands-on support across the full lifecycle of energy and infrastructure projects, from early planning and approvals through to construction, commissioning and operations.
Our team can assist with:
- Project development and feasibility, including access, design and approvals coordination
- Construction and maintenance management for energy, renewables, gas and transmission assets
- Project controls, scheduling and procurement to strengthen governance and delivery confidence
If you are working on projects related to gas, transmission, storage or renewable energy in Queensland, we would be happy to discuss how we can support you. Reach out to us to find out more about our experience, or to learn about current projects we are delivering in this space.
