The Queensland Government is investing into a $23 million renewable energy training facility at Pinkenba, Brisbane.
Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles has approved a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation for the Pinkenba Renewable Energy Training Facility.
The facility will provide pre-trade, apprenticeship, and post trade courses for up to 300 students at a time and support 40 teaching positions.
Miles said this is a great example of the Queensland Government’s commitment to reaching its 50 per cent renewable target by 2030.
“While we’re investing in renewable energy projects throughout the state, it is also important we invest in our workforce to deliver and maintain renewable energy infrastructure,” he said.
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“The Ministerial Infrastructure Designation process will enable Electro Group to start construction and welcome students as soon as possible.
“Accelerating construction of infrastructure that benefits the community and creates jobs is part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.”
The Queensland Government will invest $17 million towards to facility.
Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said meeting the state’s renewable energy target relies on having a pipeline of skilled Queenslanders ready to build and operate the energy infrastructure.
“That’s exactly what the Pinkenba Renewable Energy Training Facility will deliver, with electrical, solar and telecommunications training to be offered to hundreds of Queenslanders each year,” de Brenni said.
“This facility will ensure our electrical industry is up to the challenge as new renewable energy technology opens up more opportunities for global investors in Queensland.”
Electro Group CEO Donna Pickford said that construction is set to start in September 2021.
“Our facility will provide electrical workers with classroom learning and out in the field training, which will feature a 17-metre high wind turbine, a 20-metre high climbing tower, a 30m telecommunications tower and a 54-kilowatt single axis tracking solar system,” Pickford said.
“Being able to provide both current and future electrical workers with this hands-on experience will mean they’ll be fully equipped to take on the jobs of tomorrow.
“We’re excited to be moving forward with this project and we’re looking forward to welcoming our first students in mid-2022.”