A Queensland cattle farmer has raised environmental and economic concerns with one of the largest-ever solar farms in Australia being built next to his property.
Danish company European Energy has plans to build four renewable energy sites covering 6,000 hectares near the Gladstone export hub as a part of their Pacific Solar Hydrogen Project. The 3,600-megawatt project is estimated to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year and generate enough power for 1.5 million homes, according to European Energy.
Greg Bennett, who farms roughly 12,500 acres in the Gladstone Region, says the proposed project is “destroying” him and his neighbours in the area.
He says he could lose up to 30 percent of the equity in his property due to the solar project and says he won’t be compensated. With up to two million solar panels slated to be built near the Great Barrier Reef, Bennett argues environmental concerns around land clearing have been overlooked.
“A complete disregard for the reef and the people it destroys. It’s hard to believe in Australia you can just do this,” he said of erosion that could damage the soils and reef. “I don’t want to be collateral damage. Why should I suffer without being compensated for it? Why should the environment suffer in the name of renewables?”
One of The Largest Net Zero Projects Ever
European Energy acquired a majority stake in the Queensland-based energy company Austrom Hydrogen in December last year.“This is one of the biggest projects that we—or anyone in the world for that matter—have undertaken,” said Executive Vice President and Head of Project Development Thorvald Spanggaard at the time.
“We do believe that it is feasible and realistic to realise this project in 2026 not least because of the willingness of the local authorities in Australia to see the possibilities of moving ahead on the green transition and become a key exporter of the fuel of tomorrow.”
The Gladstone regional council said in their Strategic Policy that they are advocating for the establishment of a “Dedicated Transition Fund” to offset the impacts of a transition to a “net zero economy.”
The councils’ strategy also calls for communities to be represented at the National Transition Authority to enhance the benefits of the wave of green tech while also minimizing negative impacts.
Mr. Bennett also told the radio program that the proponent needs the regional councils’ approval.
The Epoch Times has reached out to members of the Gladstone regional council for comment on any approvals for solar projects in the area, including the proposed Pacific Solar Hydrogen Project and the potential impacts to landowners.
Country Manager for European Energy in Australia Catriona Mcleod said last year that green hydrogen and e-fuels are the next logical step for the country.
“I believe the vast energy resources of Australia are not limited to fossil fuels but can reach far beyond that,” she said.
“European Energy is now advancing wind and solar opportunities across the new energy market, and as one of the frontrunners in e-fuels and green hydrogen, I believe we are very well suited to accelerate the speed in which these projects can be realised.”
