Gladstone is at a crossroads. Diversifying the region’s energy mix is vital to the sustainability of its industries and to creating enduring jobs for locals. While the pace of energy transition is increasing, to maintain competitiveness Gladstone must now complete its energy reforms.
The good news is that many companies in Gladstone are already innovating:
For example, ASX-listed company Alpha HPA is developing a new high-purity aluminium manufacturing plant which will supply products to the clean energy and mobility sector globally. It has committed to use renewable electricity in the plant.
Major local players, like Rio Tinto, Orica and Fortescue Future Industries, have announced plans to power operations with renewable energy, to supply products to the zero-emissions global market.
These plans are supported by the development of large new renewable energy projects in the wider Central Queensland region, including by Acciona, Central Queensland Power,Sunshine Hydro, Rodds Bay Solar Farm, Neoen, Epuron and Genex. The scale of development in this region and across Queensland creates real opportunities to develop local supply chains and new manufacturing plants and businesses that service the renewable energy sector rather than purchasing supplies from overseas. Ampcontrol, an innovative company that provides electrical, electronic and control solutions, recently opened a service centre that includes support for the renewable energy powered manufacturing roll-out in Gladstone.