Investors blame transmission delays for waning confidence in Queensland renewable rollout
Renewable investors say slow grid-connection times are eroding confidence in Australia's energy market, prompting calls for a Queensland coordinating agency.
Renewable investors in Australia report declining confidence as projects encounter longer grid-connection timelines, with a July survey naming transmission delays as the chief obstacle. Queensland's renewable policies are viewed as a bottleneck, slowing the expected fall in electricity prices. The state recently approved a $500 million solar-battery project on the Fraser Coast, one of 67 eastern-state projects that could deliver 35.3 GW if fully operational.
AEMO analysis shows project lead times grew from 14 to 18 months in 2025-26. Specialists such as Ruifeng Yan urge Queensland to establish a statutory coordinating body like NSW's EnergyCo, criticizing Powerlink Queensland's lengthy evaluation process. Government officials maintain the current legislative framework already supports investors.
Why it matters
Delays in connecting renewables keep electricity prices high and extend reliance on coal and gas.
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