Energy Transition Pilot Project - Port of Mackay Precinct
North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) and Resource Industry Network (RIN) are aware that energy costs are increasing for everyone. All businesses are starting to recognise they need to find a way to reduce costs, decarbonise and meet their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements.
NQBP, in collaboration with RIN and Advancing Communities Australia, aims to transition the port and surrounding businesses towards renewable energy solutions. This project will bring together a collaborative team with the aim to develop a model, backed by energy data, to encourage and enable local businesses to easily adopt, and increase their adoption of sustainable energy practices. It will reduce energy wastage and share this clean excess renewable energy within the community where it is needed the most.
Target Project Outcomes
Expected project outcomes and benefits include:
- Emissions reduction through identification of potential energy saving innovations, processes and renewable technologies.
- Energy bill savings for businesses from reduced wholesale electricity costs.
- More reliable, sustainable energy from significant amounts of new energy supply from community generation.
Our project data analysis team will analyse the collected energy data, identifying and developing patterns (constraints, opportunities and gaps) of energy usage across businesses and communities. The long-term goal will result in reducing energy costs whilst increasing a better return on renewable energy shared and providing cleaner, greener, sustainable communities and industry.
Summary of Project
The project is to facilitate an Energy Transition Pilot at the Port of Mackay, exploring the possibility of establishing shared infrastructure for the generation and storage of renewable energy from solar power, to benefit port users and operations.
With many port users actively seeking opportunities to decarbonise their operations and reduce energy costs, this initiative is anticipated to generate significant interest from a broad range of stakeholders.
The goal is to engage as many tenants and port users as possible in this study to improve our understanding of energy usage across the port and develop a model that delivers maximum benefits to port users.
Detailed information on the scope of the project can be found in this fact sheet and below in our FAQs.
Who are the partners involved in this project?
As a port authority, North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) is responsible for strategic planning, business and infrastructure development, environmental management, security, safety and more within their ports. Weipa, Abbot Point, Mackay and Hay Point trading ports all come under the care and authority of NQBP.
Resource Industry Network (RIN) is a Mackay-based peak industry association that represents companies actively engaged in the resource sector and engages with other peak bodies and government representatives.
Advancing Communities Australia is represented by several leading industry professionals who have facilitated similar energy transition projects in other industry sites around the country.
How do I participate?
If you wish to participate or would like any further information please email planning@nqbp.com.au and a member of the NQBP team will get back to you.
Participation is voluntary. NQBP values your feedback and would greatly appreciate your assistance with this important project.
What data will be sought?
As part of this project, NQBP consultants will seek consent for you to share energy data for analysis. This will be followed up by tenant interviews and site visits to gather business energy use information.
What do I get out of participating?
By participating, you will have the opportunity to directly influence the development of the Energy Transition Model. Your feedback will help identify the specific energy demands that need to be met, ensuring that the model is tailored to the real-world needs of port users like yourself. This input will play a key role in shaping an energy solution that is both practical and beneficial, potentially lowering energy costs, improving sustainability, and supporting decarbonisation efforts for your operations.
Will this study lead to development?
At this stage, the study is focused on exploring potential energy transition infrastructure solutions. We are currently investigating funding options as part of the project; however, the study must first be completed to determine the specific infrastructure needs and understand its economic viability. Participation in this study does not require any commitment or financial contribution from you to participate in the project beyond this scope of investigative works.
How will my data be used?
The data you provide will be used to help determine the energy demand requirements. If your lease area is identified as a potential location for energy production, we will discuss this with you before referencing it in the energy model. NQBP is a Government Owned Corporation and is subject to Queensland Government legislation, including the Right to Information Act 2009. Documents and information generated may be subject to the disclosure requirements of the Right to Information Act.
Who do I contact if I want more information?
Should you have any questions about the research, please feel free to contact Sally Sala or Dean Kirkwood (details below).
Sally Sala
Manager Planning and Development
North Queensland Bulk Ports
Ph: 07 3011 7900
ssala@nqbp.com.au
Dean Kirkwood
General Manager
Resource Industry Network
Ph: 07 4849 5426
dean@resourceindustrynetwork.org.au