It's not diesel being green

Generators brought into power pipeline for 'environmentally friendly' hydrogen

Diesel generators will be hauled in to help deliver a near $1bn project to service Queensland’s growing renewable energy industry amid claims managers forgot to organise mains power.

Queensland’s $983m Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline will stretch 117km to improve water security and help service Gladstone’s emerging green hydrogen industry, which has attracted investors such as Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue.

However, a source familiar with the pipeline project said the Gladstone Area Water Board was yet to organise high-voltage mains power to service pumps and a large water treatment plant needed when it opens in 2026.

A spokeswoman for the water board said it had made the “relevant applications” to Ergon for high-voltage electricity supply but confirmed diesel generators would be needed.

“The generators will be used to operate the pumps and a water treatment plant on the Fitzroy Pipeline and then be used as a back-up when it’s operational,” she said.

“Gladstone Area Water Board continues to engage with Ergon Energy on the permanent high-voltage electricity connection to the Alton Downs Water Treatment Plant. This accompanying infrastructure is scheduled for delivery by Ergon in 2025.”

“Diesel generators will be purchased by the FGP to maintain water supply in the event of a power outage as a risk mitigation measure and may be used to assist with commissioning the FGP.”

The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline is on track for completion in 2026 without blowouts — with generators paid for within the $983m budget.

One Nation Keppel candidate James Ashby argued the state's Big Build program was “an embarrassing big failure”.

“This is the ultimate definition of incompetence ... to forget to run high voltage power lines,” he said.

“What was touted as ‘sustainable infrastructure’ will now be powered by diesel guzzling pumps that will each require a fuel reservoir to be built on site until high voltage power can be installed — some two and a half years away.”

“The Miles Labor government has never delivered a project in Queensland without taxpayers incurring outrageous cost blowouts. When are politicians going to be held accountable?”

LNP water spokeswoman Deb Frecklington used parliament to slam the government.

“The pumping stations now have to have big diesel generators put in because the power was not connected,” she said.

“What about the water treatment plant? We know that water has to be treated but how are they going to do it?”