The Queensland state government has reached an agreement with freight operator Aurizon to deliver more sustainable energy to the state’s coal export supply chain.
Government-owned CleanCo partnered with Aurizon to strengthen the competitiveness of Queensland’s metallurgical coal exports.
CleanCo will supply Aurizon with renewable energy from the MacIntyre Wind Farm, Kaban Wind Farn and Woolooga Solar Farm.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the agreement shows how Queensland’s government-owned corporations are supporting regional exports.
“Regional Queensland is at the heart of our economy, and partnerships like this show how reliable, sustainable energy is keeping those industries strong,” Treasurer 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.”
Aurizon operates Central Queensland Coal Network, the country’s largest electrified rail freight system. By securing renewable energy from CleanCo, Aurizon can continue to operate the rail system for export industries and local communities, while lowering emissions.
Aurizon CEO Andrew Harding said the deal is part of 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 CEO Tom Metcalfe said the agreement highlighted how CleanCo’s can help regional industries compete on the world stage.
“Queensland’s exporters are under increasing pressure to demonstrate lower-emission supply chains, and this partnership shows how CleanCo can help deliver that,” Metcalfe said.
CleanCo is also partnering with Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal as it works on embedding sustainable, lower-emission energy across every stage of the supply chain as Queensland moves toward a lower-emission future.
