Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Green Poly?
Global demand for solar materials continues to increase. There is a unique opportunity to use Queensland’s minerals and sunshine to build more solar module materials and help create a deeply resilient, ethical, local green energy supply chain. This will have a global impact by supporting the worldwide expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation.
Project Green Poly is a program of interrelated projects which will combine to create Australia’s first integrated solar silicon supply chain, powered primarily by low-emission energy. After its full development, the program is expected to create 2000+ jobs in and around Townsville with flow on effects throughout the industry in Australia and globally.
It is expected to operate for at least 30 years, bringing generational change to the workforce of Townsville.
The Queensland Government declared Project Green Poly a Prescribed Project in March 2024.
Where is Project Green Poly located?
Each of the sub-projects involved in PGP are located either within the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct (LEIP), which is approximately 40km south of Townsville, or nearby.
How long will construction take?
It is expected construction will start in 2026-27 and may continue for up to approximately three years to complete the first PGP projects. Some projects may be staged later as market demand expands.
Commissioning and operations are expected to start in 2027 and may continue through to 2030 as each PGP sub-project enters operation.
Why was this location selected for development?
When fully developed, LEIP will become North Queensland’s first environmentally sustainable industrial hub for advanced manufacturing, processing, technology and emerging industries. There are also other renewable energy projects proposed within and near LEIP.
This makes LEIP a prime location for the PGP silicon manufacturing facilities. The Australian quartz, which will supply the silicon manufacturing facilities, will be sourced from quarries in Queensland. This integrated supply chain opportunity from quartz to polysilicon utilising renewable power to create a world-leading ‘green’ supply chain for the global energy transition is perfectly suited to the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.
What studies will be undertaken for the Project?
A variety of technical and ecological studies will be undertaken to inform the project design and layout to avoid and minimise potential impacts on the environment and community.
How will the Project have a positive impact in Townsville?
PGP will benefit the local community by creating employment, utilising local services and increasing the long-term assets and investments that generate opportunities for decades to come. The Project is expected at full scale to employ 2000 operational workers over the different phases of all the sub-projects, as well as through ongoing indirect employment for a range of services and trades including, fencing and building maintenance, engineering, project management, vegetation control, calibration services, and cleaning.
What approvals does the Project need?
Applications for approvals will be lodged with local, State and Commonwealth Government authorities. Some referrals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) have been lodged with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and are currently being assessed.
Development approvals from Townsville City Council are required for the each of the sub-projects involved in PGP, and separate development applications will be lodged with council starting this year.
We continue to work closely with all levels of government to ensure we meet, and exceed wherever possible, all legal requirements, regulations and policies.
