10 October 2025
The Queensland Government today officially launched its new Energy Roadmap, outlining a comprehensive strategy to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for Queenslanders. Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki presented the roadmap as a pragmatic plan focused on optimizing existing assets while fostering future growth, marking a significant departure from previous energy policies.
Key Announcements & Policy Shift: The Crisafulli Government’s Energy Roadmap includes several key initiatives and policy changes:
- Extended Coal Lifespan: The previous Labor Government’s plan for early closure of state-owned coal-fired generators by 2035 has been officially abolished. Queensland’s coal-fired fleet, described as the youngest in the country, will continue to operate for “as long as they are needed in the system and supported by the market.” A clear decision-making framework for coal assets will balance system needs, asset integrity, and economic viability.
- Cost Savings: The roadmap is projected to deliver $26 billion in reduced energy system costs to 2035 compared to the previous plan, preventing the average Queensland household from paying an estimated extra $1035 per year.
- Private Sector Investment: A new $400 million Queensland Energy Investment Fund and Queensland Investment Corporation’s (QIC) Investor Gateway will drive private sector investment in new energy generation and firming projects.
- Asset Maintenance: A $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee is allocated to improve current energy assets.
- Gas-Fired Generation: A tender for 400MW of new gas-fired generation in Central Queensland will be issued.
- Pumped Hydro Management: QIC will consolidate the management of future pumped hydro proposals to ensure a consistent approach to assessment and investment.
- Community Batteries: A new $10 million investment will support community-level batteries for greater solar storage and minimum system load management.
- CopperString Project: Construction of the Eastern Link of the CopperString transmission line in North Queensland will proceed, with work beginning on the Western Link.
- Regional Energy Hubs: Establishment of Regional Energy Hubs aims to reduce development costs.
- Renewable Energy Developer Code: A new code of conduct for renewable energy developers will guide responsible behaviour and set community expectations.
Treasurer Janetzki emphasized that the Energy Roadmap is based on “economics and engineering, not ideology.”
He stated that the plan delivers “affordable and reliable energy that enhances their quality of life, fuels economic growth, and ensures long-term sustainability,” while making Queensland an attractive destination for private sector capital and job creation.
The government contrasted its plan with Labor’s “implausible Energy and Jobs Plan,” which they claimed lacked credibility, was undeliverable, and would have resulted in significant cost blowouts for households.
The roadmap is underpinned by robust electricity system modelling and extensive consultation.
What Next? The Queensland Energy Roadmap sets a new direction for the state’s energy future, prioritizing economic viability, reliability, and private sector investment.
The government’s emphasis on flexibility for coal assets means that market conditions and system demand will heavily influence their operational lifespan.
The plan is expected to continue to be a focal point of debate among environmental groups, industry, and political stakeholders as Queensland navigates its energy transition.
Further Information
Download the Roadmap at www.treasury.qld.gov.au/energy-roadmap
For more information, please contact Matthew Harris on 0410 839 586.
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