A PARTNERSHIP between freight giant Aurizon and the Queensland government-owned energy company CleanCo is expected to benefit exporters from the sunshine state.
The idea is to bring more sustainable energy into the state’s coal supply chain and make local industries more competitive on the global stage.
Aurizon managing director and chief executive Andrew Harding said the agreement supported the company’s long-term strategy.
“Aurizon is committed to a target of net-zero operational emissions by 2050, with a roadmap of initiatives to decarbonise our trains, our rail infrastructure and our facilities,” Mr Harding said.
CleanCo is embedding sustainable, lower-emission energy across every stage of the supply chain in the Mackay region, from rail transport to port operations, in partnership with Aurizon, Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal.
CleanCo is to supply Aurizon with renewable energy from the MacIntyre Wind Farm in the Western Downs, Kaban Wind Farm in Far North Queensland and Woolooga Solar north of Brisbane.
Treasurer and energy minister David Janetzki said the agreement demonstrated how Queensland’s energy GOCs supported 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,” Mr 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 Australia’s largest electrified rail freight system, the Central Queensland Coal Network.
CleanCo chief executive Tom Metcalfe said the agreement highlighted how their portfolio helped regional industries compete.
“Queensland’s exporters are under increasing pressure to demonstrate lower-emission supply chains, and this partnership shows how CleanCo can help deliver that,” Mr Metcalfe said.
“By utilising Queensland’s abundant solar and wind to support Queensland businesses, we are unlocking regional jobs and investment across the state.”