Proponents seeking to support grid reliability and industrial growth in Central Queensland through new gas-fired generation capacity are engaged in QIC’s market sounding process which will deliver a competitive tender for development by the end of 2026.
The process, which commenced this month, is aimed at identifying 400 megawatts of additional gas fired capacity in Central Queensland by 2032, creating a significant investable opportunity for domestic and global institutional capital.
As a key pillar of the Queensland Energy Roadmap, the market sounding involves QIC working with proponents across development, financing, and investment, to test appetite, delivery models and risk-sharing structures.
The Roadmap identifies gas-fired generation as a critical firming source as renewables and storage are built out, with additional gas capacity required to support a stable and affordable transition.
Following the market sounding process, a competitive Central Queensland Gas Power Tender will open in early 2026, with tenders to be finalised by the end of 2026.
QIC Head of Global Infrastructure Ross Israel said the market sounding demonstrates how QIC is using its investment and structuring capabilities to connect high-quality infrastructure opportunities with private capital.
Queensland’s energy transition is creating a deep, multi-decade pipeline of infrastructure that needs to be financed and delivered.
Ross Israel - Head of Global Infrastructure, QIC
“The Central Queensland gas tender is one of the Roadmap’s first large-scale opportunities, alongside a broader pipeline of transmission, storage, pumped hydro, renewables and firming assets being channeled to proponents including investors.
“It is seeking to deliver a bankable, utility-scale project that can attract private capital into essential firming capacity that underpins industrial growth and system reliability.
“Our role is to turn the priorities of the Queensland Energy Roadmap into investable projects that deliver reliable, affordable and lower-emissions energy outcomes for the state.”
To provide the revenue certainty and bankability required by institutional investors, QIC will seek feedback through the market sounding process on preferred commercial frameworks, including the potential for long-term offtake arrangements with Government-Owned Corporations (GOCs) and other counterparties.
Last year, Queensland produced gas valued at nearly $27 billion, directly supporting around 9,000 local jobs.
The state is forecast to have up to 4.1-gigawatts of gas-fired generation capacity by 2030, increasing to between 6.1 and 8.3-gigawatts by 2035.
For more information or to register interest visit https://www.qic.com/QLD-Energy
