TSBE’s Surat Basin Energy Summit 2024: How the region is leading the transition to renewables
On Tuesday 6 August, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) hosted the biennial Surat Basin Energy Summit in Dalby. The summit hosted over 300 industry leaders, government representatives and stakeholders. Across the day panel discussions and keynote addresses covered sustained energy production in the region, fostering long-term regional economic development. Looking at present day energy scenarios, the trajectory of low-carbon transition, opportunities and challenges emerging for energy producers and the importance of coexistence with land holders and local communities.
In Queensland there is currently $60 billion being spent or earmarked to be spent on renewable energy investment projects. The Queensland Governments Energy and Jobs Plan has set ambitious targets of reaching more than 80% of the state’s energy production being derived from renewable sources by 2035. The Surat Basin, known as the Energy Capital of Queensland, has the potential to become the most diverse energy production region in Australia. Our part of Queensland will be doing most of the heavy lifting in the transition to renewables, with the Western Downs already referred to as the energy capital of Queensland and sits in one of the states 12 Renewable Energy Zones (REZ).
It was powerful to host representatives from major energy companies and industry sharing real outcomes and work being done on the ground in region. A key sentiment from the say was that we don’t yet fully understand what we will need to realise the transition to renewables. The volume of energy required to keep the lights on means that all energy sources have a role to play. Whatever the energy production source, one thing is certain. Regional communities hosting major energy projects should be included in powering the country. Insisting on local content ensures long term sustained economic benefits, community support, sustainable development, capacity building and regional diversification.
