As a major provider of electricity in Queensland since 1997, CS Energy recognises that we have a leading role to play in developing creative solutions to the state’s future energy requirements.
The energy sector is undergoing the most profound change seen in generations. Governments and business around the world are grappling with the ‘energy trilemma’ of balancing affordability, sustainability and reliability.
While the future energy market is uncertain, we know that the future generation mix will primarily be renewable. Battery storage, hydrogen, virtual power plants and rooftop solar panels will also play a larger role in the grid. And customers will have more choice and more power about the energy they purchase.
In recent years, CS Energy has been evolving from a thermal generator into a diversified energy business exploring new technologies, products and partnerships. We are pursuing diversification opportunities that expand our customer base, leverage technology and renewables, and respond to opportunities in distributed generation.
As we transform our business, we are mindful of the significant role we play in the towns and communities in which we operate, and where most of our employees live and work. Our transition to the energy of tomorrow can only happen in partnership with our communities, our employees and their families. CS Energy’s path to sustainability must be aligned with and informed by their expectations and first-hand experience.
That’s why our future energy investment program is focussed on the regions where we operate – the Western Downs and Central Queensland. We are exploring greenfield opportunities, such as the Banana Range Wind Farm, as well as repurposing our existing sites into “energy hubs”.
These hubs will utilise the existing attributes of our power station sites – highly skilled workforces, available land, water and transmission connections. We’ve already started this process at Kogan Creek where we’ve announced green hydrogen and battery projects. It’s an approach that we plan to replicate in Central Queensland in and around our Callide Power Station site near Biloela.
Converting publicly owned coal-fired power stations into future clean energy hubs is also a key feature of the State Government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
Of course, with new energy technology, we will need to form new partnerships and develop new skills. We are excited to be working with Tesla and IHI Engineering Australia delivering our new projects at Kogan Creek. The opportunity for our people to work alongside and learn from these industry experts is enormously valuable.
At the local level, our hydrogen skills mapping partnership with Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise is tapping into the skills and capabilities of local suppliers to participate in the hydrogen value chain.
As we transition, we are mindful of all aspects of sustainability. Reducing emissions is an important driver, but it must occur in a way that keeps electricity affordable and supports the ongoing prosperity of regional communities.
To learn more about CS Energy’s Future Energy initiatives visit https://www.facebook.com/csenergytomorrow
