Researchers and industry groups are investigating whether former and existing mine sites across Queensland’s Bowen Basin could eventually support large-scale solar energy developments after mining operations wind down.
A new study led by researchers from The University of Queensland and the Sustainable Minerals Institute is examining how disturbed mining land in Central Queensland could be repurposed for renewable energy infrastructure instead of remaining unused after mine closure.
The research focuses on mine sites between Moranbah and Middlemount, where large areas of existing mining infrastructure, power connections, roads, and cleared land may offer advantages for future renewable energy projects.
Existing Mine Infrastructure Could Support Renewable Projects
According to researchers involved in the study, many mine sites already have infrastructure that renewable energy developers often struggle to secure, including:
- Grid connection access
- Heavy vehicle access roads
- Water infrastructure
- Industrial land availability
- High-voltage power systems
The study found parts of Central Queensland have strong solar generation potential and may provide opportunities for future large-scale renewable energy projects linked to mine rehabilitation strategies.
Public reporting indicates more than 40 coal mines operate across the Bowen Basin region.
Focus on Regional Economic Transition
The research forms part of broader discussions around long-term regional economic diversification and infrastructure planning across Queensland resource regions.
Queensland continues to experience major investment activity across:
- Mining operations
- Renewable energy projects
- Transmission infrastructure
- Battery storage
- Hydrogen development
- Industrial transition initiatives
A recent regional economic pathways report identified more than 36 GW of proposed renewable generation and storage projects across Central Queensland regions connected to the Bowen Basin.
Potential Opportunities for Industry and Contractors
If mine-site renewable developments progress in future years, potential opportunities may emerge across:
- Civil earthworks
- Solar farm construction
- Electrical infrastructure
- Transmission upgrades
- Engineering design
- Environmental rehabilitation
- Grid infrastructure
- Industrial maintenance
- Regional logistics and transport
Researchers also noted that using previously disturbed mining land could reduce conflicts associated with developing renewable projects on agricultural or environmentally sensitive land.
Mining and Energy Industries Continue to Overlap
The proposal reflects the growing overlap between Queensland’s traditional resource sector and emerging energy industries.
Queensland Government energy planning continues forecasting major private-sector investment in:
- Renewable generation
- Storage infrastructure
- Gas generation
- Transmission upgrades
- Industrial energy infrastructure
The recently released Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025 forecasts substantial new wind, solar, gas, and storage infrastructure development over coming years.
Bowen Basin Remains Strategically Important
Despite increasing renewable investment, the Bowen Basin remains one of Australia’s most significant mining and export regions.
Industry observers expect future regional development to increasingly involve a combination of:
- Mining operations
- Industrial infrastructure
- Renewable energy
- Export logistics
- Grid infrastructure
- Resource processing
The renewable mine-site research highlights how existing industrial regions may continue evolving rather than being replaced entirely.
Future Outlook
While the research remains in study and assessment stages, the concept demonstrates how Queensland’s mining regions may continue supporting major industrial and energy infrastructure projects well beyond the operational life of individual mines.
For Central Queensland businesses, future energy transition projects may create long-term opportunities across engineering, construction, maintenance, logistics, and industrial services sectors.
Official Sources & References
Regional Economic Pathways Report
CRC TiME Regional Pathways Report
UQ Research – Renewable Energy on Bowen Basin Mine Sites
The University of Queensland Research Article
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025
Queensland Energy Roadmap 2025
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