A new research study has identified several coal mine sites in Queensland’s Bowen Basin that could be converted into large-scale renewable energy hubs once mining operations wind down.
Researchers from The University of Queensland have identified nine former or future mine sites between Moranbah and Middlemount that could support large solar farm developments. By repurposing disturbed mining land and leveraging existing electricity infrastructure, the sites could provide a pathway for renewable energy generation in one of Australia’s most resource-intensive regions.
The study highlights how rehabilitated mine land could play a key role in supporting regional decarbonisation and clean energy projects while maintaining economic activity in mining communities.
More information about renewable energy research at the university can be found here:
https://www.uq.edu.au/
Turning Mine Land into Renewable Energy Assets
Large coal mines often leave behind extensive areas of cleared or disturbed land, which can be difficult to restore to original ecological conditions. Researchers say these areas present a significant opportunity for renewable energy projects such as solar farms.
The Bowen Basin already has several advantages for solar development:
- High solar irradiation levels
- Existing grid connections built to service mines
- Established industrial infrastructure
- Large tracts of non-agricultural land
According to the research team, using existing mining land for renewable energy can reduce development costs and avoid conflicts with agricultural land use.
Queensland’s renewable energy strategy highlights similar opportunities across the state. More details are available from the Queensland Government renewable energy program:
https://www.energyandclimate.qld.gov.au/renewable-energy
Supporting Water Treatment and Regional Power Needs
One potential application for the solar hubs is powering mine water treatment plants and industrial operations in the region.
Large mining operations often require continuous pumping and treatment of water long after extraction activities end. Solar installations built on former mine sites could provide low-cost electricity for these ongoing environmental management systems.
Researchers say renewable energy from these projects could also support nearby communities and industrial users in Central Queensland.
The Bowen Basin remains one of the world’s most significant metallurgical coal regions, centred around towns such as Moranbah, Dysart, and Middlemount.
Renewable Energy Transition in Mining Regions
Across Australia, governments and industry are increasingly exploring ways to repurpose mining land for renewable energy infrastructure.
The Queensland Government has committed to expanding renewable generation capacity under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, which aims to deliver a large share of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2035.
Details of the plan can be found here:
https://www.energyandclimate.qld.gov.au/energy/energy-jobs-plan
The strategy includes large-scale renewable zones across Queensland designed to attract investment into solar, wind and energy storage projects.
Opportunities for the Bowen Basin
If developed, solar projects on former mine sites could bring several long-term benefits to the Bowen Basin region:
- Repurposing rehabilitated mining land
- Supporting regional decarbonisation efforts
- Providing power for water treatment and industrial operations
- Creating new jobs in renewable energy construction and maintenance
The concept reflects a growing global trend where former mining regions transition toward renewable energy production while maintaining their role as energy hubs.
Future of Mine Site Rehabilitation
Experts say integrating renewable energy into mine rehabilitation planning could become an important strategy for mining companies.
Instead of returning sites solely to agricultural or environmental uses, rehabilitated land may also support:
- Solar farms
- Battery storage facilities
- Hydrogen production projects
- Industrial renewable power supply
These developments could help regions like the Bowen Basin remain central to Australia’s energy economy even as global energy systems evolve.
Official Sources and Further Reading
Research activities at The University of Queensland
https://www.uq.edu.au/
Renewable energy strategy (Queensland Government)
https://www.energyandclimate.qld.gov.au/renewable-energy
Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan
https://www.energyandclimate.qld.gov.au/energy/energy-jobs-plan
Latest News
$5.48B Gold Coast Construction Pipeline Faces Height-Rule Uncertainty After Court Ruling
A Queensland Court of Appeal ruling on the Gold Coast City Plan’s height-uplift provisions has created uncertainty across a major…
$274M Watershed Tungsten Project Moves Toward FID as Funding Strategy Accelerates
