Queensland should capitalise on its reputation as the Sunshine State by rolling out solar carparks to generate sustainable power, a renewable energy developer says.
Shakra Energy's managing director Sam Khalil will join Greens senators Sarah Hanson-Young and Larissa Waters to unveil Australia's "largest carport solar development" in Brisbane on Friday.
"This is the first project of its kind in Australia and we see great potential for the idea to expand across the state and the country," Mr Khalil said.
Mr Khalil said it made sense shopping centres should be able to use sunlit carports to generate their own power, saving them money and providing shade for customer's vehicles.
Senator Waters challenged the Palaszczuk government to champion the idea and make Queensland a leader in clean energy innovation.
"While coal is in structural decline, renewable energy is on the up and up, generating new jobs and offering trade opportunities," she said.
Clean energy alternatives would also help in the ongoing fight against global warming, Senator Hanson-Young said.
