Renewable energy in Mackay Isaac Whitsunday

The Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region enjoys a diverse economy that spans resources, agriculture and coastal tourism. Renewable energy is fast becoming an important economic driver as well.

Ongoing investment in the region’s agricultural sector and renewable infrastructure will help the state reach our carbon emissions reduction target of net zero by 2050.

Regional centres include Mackay, Bowen and Moranbah.

Energy strengths

Mackay Isaac Whitsunday contributes to our state’s renewable electricity supply through solar farms, large-scale battery energy storage and biofuels.

At the beginning of 2024, 8 solar farms totalling more than 500MW of energy production were operational in this region.

At up to 5GW capacity, the proposed Pioneer–Burdekin pumped hydro project will be the largest of its kind in the world by capacity and will play a vital role in storing clean energy for the state.

The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will help translate this potential into jobs and improved quality of life for locals. Training and skills pathways will help prepare workers for new roles in the clean energy economy.

Renewable energy zones

Isaac has been identified as a potential Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) as it is an area with high renewable potential.

The potential REZ could connect between 1500 to 2000MW of installed capacity in a coordinated approach. Coordinated development of renewable energy investment will maximise benefits for regional communities.

Being classified a REZ will also support training and employment opportunities across multiple projects.

Pumped hydro

If approved, the Pioneer–Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project will play a critical role in storing renewably-generated electricity for our growing state.

Pumped hydro is an important part of the energy transformation and will allow power to flow when the sun isn’t shining, and the wind isn’t blowing.

Located 75km west of Mackay in the western Pioneer Valley, the selected pumped hydro site has strong technical characteristics and favourable hydrology. It is close to large industrial load centres like Gladstone and the Northern and Central REZs.

If approved, more than 3,000 jobs will be supported during peak construction. Construction is expected to be completed in stages delivering 2.5GW for 2032, and the complete 5GW for 2035.

Queensland Hydro is engaging with local communities to understand and limit potential impacts. If you have any questions about the project, connect with the project team or check for updates on the Queensland Hydro community page.

Agriculture

The agricultural sector will continue to be a key part of Mackay Isaac Whitsunday’s story.

For some landholders, the energy transformation offers opportunity to future-proof family businesses. Hosting renewable energy projects can provide additional income. The Queensland Renewable Energy Landholders Toolkit can help you with the decision-making process.

Agriculture and the future of fuels

Local sugarcane supply is being used to produce biofuels—renewable fuels that can reduce reliance on non-renewable diesel.

A total of $4 million is being spent to advance the state’s bioenergy future, from using underutilised biomass waste streams to supporting technology advancements.

Mercurius is turning bagasse (sugarcane pulp) into renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel at the Queensland University of Technology’s Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant. This pioneering research and development facility is based on the site of an operating sugarcane facility. It is innovating ways for industry to commercially use sugarcane by-products as a renewable fuel source.

Hydrogen storage and export

The 2022 Enabling Queensland’s hydrogen production and export opportunities report explored Queensland’s potential to be one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of renewable hydrogen.

The report found the state has all the key ingredients, including available land and water, world-class port infrastructure, and vast resources potential within identified REZs.

The region’s 3 ports of Abbot Point, Mackay and Hay Point are attracting strong interest from the renewable hydrogen industry.

At Abbot Point Port, the Han-Ho Consortium’s renewable hydrogen hub is forecast to produce up to 1.8 million tonnes of green ammonia each year and establish a renewable energy corridor between Australia and Korea.

The proposed mega-project will support the development of up to 4.5GW at Ark Energy’s Collinsville Green Energy Hub. Projects in the Abbot Point Activation Initiative are being supported by the Queensland Government's investment of $8.5 million. This is under the Queensland and Energy and Jobs Plan hydrogen hubs program.

South of Mackay, Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure is investigating in making ammonia for export at Hay Point. It had previously signed a memorandum of understanding with Brookfield Infrastructure, North Queensland Bulk Ports and Japanese trading group Itochu to examine the facilities needed to become a green energy export hub. with Brookfield Infrastructure, North Queensland Bulk Ports and Japanese trading group Itochu to examine the facilities needed to become a green energy export hub.

How we generate electricity in Queensland

View Queensland’s electricity generation map.

Landholder opportunities

Opportunities exist for landholders to host renewable energy projects. The Queensland Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit can help you with the decision-making process.

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