Last week’s Connecting Industry Luncheon brought together more than 150 industry representatives from across Queensland’s resource, construction and energy sectors to hear firsthand updates from the Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) and the Capricornia Pumped Hydro Project.
Katie-Anne Mulder, Chief Executive Officer of QREC, opened the luncheon with insights into Queensland’s renewable energy future. As Australia’s first State-based industry body for large-scale renewable energy developers and service providers, QREC is working with industry, communities and government to position Queensland as the nation’s leading investment destination for renewable energy.
Ms Mulder outlined the scale of Queensland’s project pipeline, with more than 140GW of generation and storage projects at varying stages of development, including 11.9GW already in construction or operation. She emphasised the importance of a coordinated, value-driven transition that balances long-term reliability, affordability and regional economic benefits.
The second half of the luncheon focused on the Capricornia Pumped Hydro Project, presented by Project CEO John Carr and Executive General Manager Craig Aspinall. The project, backed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and working in partnership with CS Energy, is set to deliver 750MW of storage capacity for up to 16 hours, providing reliable, large-scale energy storage critical to Queensland’s transition.
Located near Eungella Dam in Central Queensland, the project will create long-duration energy storage solution, with opportunities for local contractors and suppliers across construction, tunnelling, civil works, electrical, mechanical, and environmental services. Procurement will be delivered through open and transparent processes aligned with Queensland Government best practice procurement principles.
Kieran Moran, Director of Connecting Industry, said the luncheon demonstrated the importance of bringing developers and industry together.
“Katie-Anne, John, and Craig provided incredible insight into both the scale of Queensland’s renewable energy transformation and the opportunities it creates for local business and community,” Mr Moran said.
“What stood out was not just the size of the pipeline and the scale of Capricornia Pumped Hydro, but the commitment to regional outcomes whether that’s through jobs, procurement, or partnerships.”
“Connecting Industry Luncheons are about giving people access to the information and the people driving these projects. It’s about helping businesses position themselves early, build relationships and be part of Queensland’s clean energy future.”
The next Connecting Industry Luncheon will be held on 8 October 2025 and will feature Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Dale Last, who will share the government’s vision for regional growth and infrastructure delivery, alongside Zeotech Chief Executive Officer, James Marsh, who will present on the company’s Toondoon Kaolin Project near Mundubbera and its pioneering role in concrete decarbonisation.
