Aurizon’s Central Queensland Coal Network will soon be powered by renewable energy, following an agreement between the state government-owned generator CleanCo and the freight operator.
The deal will see CleanCo supply Aurizon with renewable energy from the MacIntyre Wind Farm in the Western Downs, Kaban Wind Farm in Far North Queensland, and Woolooga Solar Farm north of Brisbane.
The arrangement underpins continued operation of Australia’s largest electrified freight rail system while cutting emissions across Queensland’s export supply chains.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the agreement demonstrated how the state’s publicly owned energy corporations were supporting regional industries.
“Regional Queensland is at the heart of our economy, and partnerships like this show how reliable, sustainable energy is keeping those industries strong,” Janetzki said.
“With major employers like Aurizon and its customers committed to sustainable energy, it sends a powerful signal across the supply chain, giving regional businesses the certainty they need to invest, create jobs and grow.”
CleanCo chief executive officer Tom Metcalfe said the company’s renewables portfolio was helping Queensland exporters stay competitive.
“Queensland’s exporters are under increasing pressure to demonstrate lower-emission supply chains, and this partnership shows how CleanCo can help deliver that,” he said.
Aurizon managing director and chief executive officer Andrew Harding said the renewable-energy deal aligned with the company’s long-term decarbonisation strategy.
“Aurizon is committed to achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2050, with a roadmap of initiatives to decarbonise our trains, rail infrastructure and facilities,” Harding said.
CleanCo is also partnering with Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, embedding renewable energy across the Mackay region’s critical mining and export infrastructure — from rail to port — as Queensland moves toward a lower-emission industrial future.
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