What’s happening?
The Secure the Future: Green Energy Forum returns to Townsville this week, bringing over 170 delegates together to focus on renewable energy leadership, investment, and project innovation. Hosted by Townsville Enterprise, the Forum highlights the region’s progress in clean energy and future development opportunities across North and Northwest Queensland.
Why it matters?
This event reinforces North Queensland’s status as Australia’s leading green energy hub. With abundant solar and wind resources, Townsville is fast becoming a global investment destination. Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith explained the importance of working together to capture this momentum:
“The Green Energy Forum will help us shape and develop a cooperative approach to harness the opportunities ahead of us here in North Queensland – home of the best solar and wind resources in the country.”
Ms Brumme-Smith added that the region’s status as a green energy powerhouse is more than a tagline.“Our region is now known nationally and internationally as the place for renewable investments, a growing reputation for having the right assets to be a world-leading green energy provider.”
Local Impact
The Forum is not just a talkfest—it’s a platform for collaboration between government, researchers, and global companies already delivering major projects. Delegates will tour active renewable energy and hydrogen project sites and visit local training facilities, deepening understanding and support for the region’s energy workforce.
The driving force behind this surge in renewable activity, according to Ms Brumme-Smith, is CopperString.“The historic project pipeline grew exponentially since the catalytic announcement of CopperString in 2023… this project remains the single most important investment in this region to secure affordable power for business and for residents.”
“Delivering CopperString on time in 2029 between Mount Isa and Townsville remains the critically most important thing for the North, and this Forum will prove once again how much hinges on this project moving forward as planned.”
By the Numbers
-
💰 $19.7 billion in renewable projects are planned across North Queensland.
-
📈 These projects represent 47% of the region’s total project pipeline expected by 2030.
-
🧑🤝🧑 Over 170 delegates are attending the Forum, which includes speakers from the Australian Hydrogen Council and Queensland Renewable Energy Council.
Zoom In
Key voices leading the discussion include Australian Hydrogen Council CEO Dr Fiona Smith, Queensland Renewable Energy Council CEO Katie-Anne Mulder, and major project leads working on real-world investments across the North.
The Forum program features a Welcome Function, a full-day conference, and site visits that showcase renewable infrastructure and workforce development in Townsville.
Zoom Out
Townsville’s position on the national green energy map has grown thanks to strategic infrastructure like CopperString and a strong push toward decarbonisation. As geopolitical shifts reshape global supply chains, international investors increasingly view North Queensland as a secure, resource-rich region ready to meet global energy demands.
What to look for next?
With CopperString slated for delivery in 2029, the focus now turns to how current and future projects align with this timeline. The Green Energy Forum will likely spark fresh partnerships and fast-track decisions crucial to ensuring Townsville remains at the centre of Australia’s green energy future.
