Powering Up Gladstone

Our new insights paper, Powering Up Gladstone, delivers a comprehensive evaluation of the region's capacity to become a clean commodities hub, using evidence-based indicators from the National Action Plan.

October 2025

Powering Up Gladstone

Gladstone has everything it needs to lead Australia's clean industrial future: a proud industrial heritage, world-class port, and skilled workforce ready to build what the world needs next. But progress is stalled by a coordination crisis. Projects are struggling to get off the ground, transmission is uncertain, and policy signals remain mixed. This patchwork approach risks deterring investment and undermining the region’s competitiveness.

The solution is within reach. With clear coordination and planning, Gladstone can become a world-leading clean industry hub — where clean energy powers modern manufacturing, new industries grow, and local communities thrive. As Australia’s premier heavy industry hub, Gladstone has the skills, infrastructure and ambition to lead the shift to clean, globally competitive industries that produce materials like green aluminium, ammonia and iron. This report assesses Gladstone’s readiness across energy, industry, policy and social acceptance — highlighting the roadblocks that must be cleared to secure the region’s clean energy future.

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Key findings include:

Energy system
bottlenecks

‍Only 12% of required renewable generation and 14% of storage already operational or under construction. Transmission upgrades currently insufficient for industrial electrification and enabling new green exports.

Infrastructure lagging
industry ambition

Major industrial players like Rio Tinto and Orica have bold targets and renewable Power Purchase Agreements—but lack the coordinated delivery of reliable clean power and transmission they need to decarbonise fully.

Policy inconsistency undermining confidence

The federal government is making record investments in clean energy but ongoing fossil fuel support and shifting state targets send mixed signals.

Community engagement
at risk

Locking in community benefit agreements too early risks consultation fatigue and frustration when projects fail to proceed. Coordinated, place-based approaches will deliver larger, lasting benefits.

Accelerate deployment of firmed renewables and enabling infrastructure

Streamline approvals, fast-track and expand transmission and storage, and plan for the scale of industrial demand well into the future.

Provide stability for industry and investors‍

Ensure renewable energy is delivered on time and at competitive prices, tighten emissions reduction policies, and eliminate conflicting signals that deter investment.

One clear, consistent policy direction Align federal, state and local government commitments to give industries and communities confidence in the pathway forward.

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Powering Up Gladstone

Our new insights paper, Powering Up Gladstone, delivers a comprehensive evaluation of the region's capacity to become a clean commodities hub, using evidence-based indicators from the National Action Plan.