Sustainability at Energy Queensland

Our corporate values and missions are based around generating sustainable and renewable solutions.

Actively working towards renewable energy targets. While working here I have realised that using less 'stuff' is another good way of increasing sustainability efforts. Re-using equipment at work (staplers, desk organisers, bags...etc) and not printing so much paper (when applicable). It is more of a 'day-by-day' thing to recycle and re-use things until they need to be either recycled or thrown out. So extending the usage of items is a core part of corporate culture here.

The company is developing multiple programs that will support the energy transition such as enable more energy generation from distributed energy resources, smart charging for EVs, large scale BESS and minimise work carbon footprint related to construction works among others.

We are under the QEJP which drives most of what we do.

Actively looking to reduce its carbon footprint.

Movements to support sustainable development and practices. Electric life

There are initiatives and people looking at sustainability day to day. Whether it be typical sustainability of possible changes or initiatives which the company could take on board.

The QLD electracy network is moving to renewable energy and EQL is at the forefront of this change.

Sustainability seems to be on the minds of most employees with an effort to reduce impacts to the environment, adopt sustainable solutions where possible, and a push for renewable energy sources.

EQL is largely the enabler of renewables and the energy transition. EQL has its own targets and does work to reduce emissions especially where it is in control of the generation (in its isolated networks). However, in my experience, the cost delta between the green solution and the current solution is too great to justify. E.g. transformer oil: natural ester oil versus mineral oil. Ester oil is green but it is hugely more expensive. It is very hard to justify going for the green solution if it is going to raise everyone's power bills. Especially when the risk of oil spills is low (and when there are spills, it is contained). Technical requirements drive decisions; followed by standards; followed by $$$. I would say EQL is enabling the change rather than leading it.