Weld Australia announced that Queensland Premier Steven Miles will officially open the 2024 National Manufacturing Summit in Brisbane on 31 July.
Hosted by Weld Australia, this year’s summit will unite leading industry experts to delve into the practical aspects of manufacturing within Australia’s renewable energy sector.
The event aims to spotlight the critical components necessary to drive the nation’s transition to a sustainable future while addressing the challenges along the way.
According to data reported by Weld Australia, Queensland’s Government has made substantial progress in renewable energy, guided by ambitious targets and significant investments.
In 2015, Queensland set a 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030. This goal was elevated in 2022 to 70 per cent by 2032, and further to 80 per cent by 2035.
Since 2015, Queensland has seen the initiation of 54 large-scale renewable energy projects, either operational, under construction, or financially committed.
These projects represent over $11 billion in investment, roughly 8,700 construction jobs, over 6,000 megawatts (MW) of clean energy, and more than 15 million tonnes of avoided emissions annually as of February 29, 2024.
Complemented by rooftop solar, the state now boasts over 10,000MW of renewable energy capacity, exerting downward pressure on electricity prices.
As of 29 February 2024, 27 per cent of the electricity generated in Queensland comes from renewable sources.
Premier Miles will provide unique insights into Queensland’s successful renewable energy strategies and initiatives.
Attendees will gain knowledge from real-world examples of how government investment and strategic planning can propel the renewable energy agenda, offering valuable lessons for other regions and states.
The aim is to explore how Australia can replicate and build upon Queensland’s success to realise the renewable energy revolution nationwide.
Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, expressed, “We are honoured to have Queensland Premier, the Hon Steven Miles MP, open the 2024 National Manufacturing Summit. His leadership and the Queensland Government’s commitment to renewable energy are exemplary.”
“The Premier’s insights will be invaluable as we explore the practical aspects of manufacturing Australia’s renewable energy revolution.”
He continued, “Queensland’s ambitious renewable energy targets and substantial investments have positioned the state as a leader in the transition to sustainable energy.
“With over 54 large-scale renewable projects, $11 billion in investment, and significant reductions in emissions, Queensland sets a powerful example for the rest of the country,” Crittenden continued.
He also noted that the 2024 National Manufacturing Summit would be a crucial venue for exchanging knowledge, strategies, and practical examples to advance Australia’s renewable energy objectives.
Crittenden highlighted that Premier Miles’ involvement underscores the critical role of collaboration between government and industry in reaching these goals.
