Electrifying industry is one of the most important levers Australia has to reach net zero and supercharge Australia's economy. A new report from Monash University's Climateworks Centre, shows integrated energy planning for industrial regions can deliver the scale of renewable energy needed while protecting nature and supporting regional communities.
Using Gladstone as a case study, Climateworks' latest report shows:
Queensland can protect the top 25 per cent high-value biodiversity areas while delivering the renewable energy infrastructure needed to meet growing electricity demand, for only 1 per cent more in system costs,
Queensland landholders can gain at least $1.2 billion from generation and $300 million from transmission hosting between now and 2050.
Farming can continue to meet the needs of a growing population, with less than 0.2 per cent of agricultural production impacted by renewables.
Climateworks Centre CEO Anna Skarbek AM said the findings highlight that Australia does not need to choose between industrial growth and nature protection.
'Our modelling found Australia can meet ambitious climate, biodiversity and agricultural goals while supplying sufficient renewable energy to electrify industry.'
'Better planning systems can protect threatened species, restore land, manage water, and create new revenue streams for regional communities,' she said.
An integrated approach presents a significant economic opportunity, yet current planning arrangements operate across disconnected institutions and competing objectives.
To address this, Climateworks recommends developing Industrial Precinct Energy Plans to map future energy demand, supply and transmission needs for major industrial regions.
In addition, expanding the use of scenario‑based spatial modelling can identify locations where renewable energy supports environmental, agricultural and industrial goals together. This modelling can test potential development pathways before infrastructure decisions are made and provide opportunities for greater community engagement and input.
Alexis Demetrious, lead author and Climateworks Centre Senior Project Manager said industrial decarbonisation is both an economic opportunity and an environmental necessity.
'Australia's heavy industrial regions contribute around $166 billion to national GDP, supporting thousands of jobs and strengthening Australia's sovereign capability by producing essential materials domestically,' she said.
'As the world transitions to net zero, demand for low-emissions products is growing.'
'In order to invest in low-emissions technologies, businesses need assurances that electricity will be available at the scale needed. Affordable, reliable renewable energy will give industry the confidence to invest in these technologies, and strengthen long-term competitiveness in a decarbonising global economy.'
Climateworks latest research reveals that with better regional energy planning, Australia can deliver big for industry, nature and communities, and make a prosperous net zero future a reality.
