Powerlink has recognised the headway Queensland has made in the move to renewable energy at its annual Transmission Network Forum, discussing how the market will lead the second phase of the transition.
In his annual ‘State of the Network’ address, Powerlink Chief Executive, Paul Simshauser, said the best outcomes will happen when policy, investment and innovation work together.
“Queensland has an enormous array of excellent future projects, including wind, solar, batteries, pumped hydro and gas turbines, all of which are required for a secure power system and a successful energy transition,” he said.
“Over the last five to six years, there’s been more than $26 billion of investments in power generation assets, which shows the energy transition is well underway.
“The annual Transmission Network Forum gives us the opportunity to hear from community, industry and government representatives to ensure the transmission network continues to deliver the best possible outcomes for Queenslanders.”
Powerlink said another key focus of the 2024 forum was the critical role Central Queensland will play in Queensland’s electricity transmission network.
Powerlink General Manager of Energy Futures, Daniel Andersen, said Gladstone was home to one of Australia’s busiest ports and multi-national resource organisations.
“Gladstone is at the forefront of an industrial revitalisation which will set an example of how other load hubs across Queensland can transform,” he said.
Mr Andersen said Gladstone accounts for 20 per cent of the state’s total load, with longer term forecasts showing a further increase in demand of between 3–8GW comprised of industrial electrification and potential future hydrogen production.
“Our work in strengthening the electricity transmission network and developing market-led renewable energy zones in the region will ensure the co-ordinated delivery of projects. This approach will also help to maintain power system security and reliability, while minimising the impact on communities and the environment.”
