The Government-owned energy company released an expression of interest today to add 3GW of wind and solar generation to its portfolio “to support our customers to achieve their sustainability goals, and to advance Queensland’s energy transformation”.

Chief executive Tom Metcalfe said the total included project development acquisitions, joint venture investments, and offtake agreements.

“I’m incredibly proud to lead an organisation that has such an ambitious growth agenda. One that is focussed on advancing Queensland’s energy transformation, and helping our customers thrive in a net zero future.

“We’re looking for renewable energy and firming projects that will help us reach our 2030 goals and contribute to Queensland’s clean energy future.

“This is a pivotal moment in our journey, and we’re excited to partner with innovative minds and organisations who share our vision and can help deliver the best sustainability solutions for our customers.”

Submissions for the 3GW closes on November 17.

In June, the Palaszczuk Government announced it would spend $500 million through CleanCo “to propel the development of large-scale solar and wind projects, to help Queensland meets its renewable energy targets, and its commitment to maintain a majority share in energy generation” in central Queensland.

The funds were aimed at the development phase of projects and included completing environmental, engineering and procurement plans, obtaining all approvals.

Last month, CleanCo said it was looking for a capacity of up to 400 megawatts (MW), which can include hydrogen use and production opportunities. EOIs were sought for technologies that can support the decarbonisation of the Swanbank E combined-cycle gas-fired power station where it plans to install a 250 MW/500 MWh battery.

However, it also paused the development of the Karara Wind Farm because of a connection delays.

“The $250m equity allocation (for Karara) will be repurposed towards other renewable energy project investments through the Queensland Government budget process which has allocated $500m for CleanCo to develop a portfolio of renewable energy projects in Central Queensland,” it said.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles has also declared the $14.2 billion Borumba pumped hydro scheme inland from the Sunshine Coast as a co-ordinated project.

The project, being developed by Queensland Hydro, involves building a new upper reservoir, as well as a new dam wall that will replace the existing Borumba Dam wall and increase Lake Borumba’s storage capacity from 46 to 224 gigalitres.

It would have the capacity to generate up to 2000 megawatts of electricity for up to 24 hours at a time.

“This marks another step forward for the Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project, and further progress towards our state’s future as a clean energy superpower,” Miles said.

“Over the past year, we have led the nation in the construction of new clean energy projects, driving new investment and generating good jobs for Queenslanders.

“Our targets of 70 per cent renewables by 2032 and net zero emissions by 2050 are set to transform our infrastructure, energy system and economy.”