Plibersek Rejects Solar Project Amid Gas Fields

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has declined to grant federal environmental approval for the proposed Kumbarilla renewable energy park, a 100-megawatt solar farm in south-west Queensland. The project, planned by Elecseed and Komipo, was intended to be situated amidst coal seam gas fields and adjacent to a significant gas production facility owned by Shell QGC.

The site, located 40 kilometres west of Dalby in the Surat basin, was also set to accommodate a green hydrogen production facility and potentially expand the solar farm to 200 MW with an 80 MW electrolyser facility.

Environmental Concerns

The developers highlighted that Kumbarilla would be surrounded by gas fields and processing plants, including the Shell QGC Ruby Jo gas facility. However, Minister Plibersek cited concerns about the project’s impact on threatened species and communities, particularly koalas, woodland vegetation, and water sources.

Plibersek emphasised the importance of renewable energy investments complying with national environmental laws, stating that while the government welcomes such initiatives, they must be executed responsibly.

Project Rejection and Background

The project’s rejection marks the second major renewable energy initiative declined recently, following the withdrawal of the Wooroora wind project in north Queensland. Plibersek’s decision aligns with the government’s commitment to an 82% renewable energy target.

The Kumbarilla solar project, located in an area already hosting significant solar developments, faced challenges due to its potential environmental impact. Plibersek’s stance underscores the government’s focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious energy projects.

Trade and Investment Queensland representative Daniel Kim praised the Kumbarilla project for its involvement with a Korean state-owned generation company, highlighting its potential to influence the renewable energy sector positively.

Plibersek’s environmental approvals track record under the Labor government demonstrates a commitment to timely and efficient processing of renewable energy projects, outperforming previous administrations in this regard.

Overall, the refusal of environmental approval for the Kumbarilla solar farm underscores the government’s dedication to balancing renewable energy development with environmental conservation and protection of threatened species.