Renewable Energy in Queensland
Queensland’s renewable energy target of 50% by 2030 has now been increased, with new commitments of 70% renewable energy by 2032, and 80% by 2035. The Queensland Renewable Energy and Jobs Plan sets out a range of actions in an attempt to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
Topo have been involved in a number of these projects, not only in Queensland but interstate as well. Queensland now has 52 large-scale renewable energy projects (at various stages including operation, under construction or financially committed) with more in the pipeline. This represents more than $11 billion of investment, around 8,500 construction jobs, over 6,000 megawatts of clean energy and more than 14 million tonnes of avoided emissions each year (current as at 30 June 2023).
As well as our involvement in the planning stage of these projects (preparing ESCPs, stormwater management plans and flood assessments), we have been involved in remediation issues acting independently to provide advice in relation to erosion and drainage issues that have occurred through the construction and operational phases of these projects. Our experience has highlighted the importance of not only effectively managing erosion and sediment control during site activities, but also the importance of identifying problematic soils prior to the works commencing. Dispersive soils on a number of sites have resulted in significant erosion due to failure to effectively handle, ameliorate and restabilise problematic soils.
Other common issues typically stem from the assumption of sheet flow and the design storm event for the minor drainage system. Reduced vegetation cover and earthworks result in modified flow regimes that require cross drainage to reduce slope lengths and convey runoff to linedand stable drains. When these drains overtop during large storm events, excessive scour is often the result of failing to consider the flow regime for over design events.
Our experience, just like many other examples in life is that the financial and environmental costs are exponentially greater when planning and design fail to identify risks and/or provide adequate guidance and solutions to inform practices during construction. Placing a greater emphasis on appropriate design and engagement with experienced professionals to provide expert advice prior to issues turning from minor to major will also result in considerable savings, again both financially and for the receiving environment.
