Powerlink is spearheading a range of transmission energy projects across Queensland in an effort to boost the state’s grid security.
Powerlink – Queensland’s government-owned transmission business – is playing an instrumental role in shaping Queensland’s future power system and developing the state’s future economic prosperity.
In a bid to ensure reliable supply of electricity amidst growing demand and evolving energy landscapes, Powerlink has embarked on several critical projects.
Topping the list is reinforcing the transmission network in Central Queensland and delivering the CopperString project to connect North West Queensland to the National Electricity Market (NEM).
These projects are aimed at fortifying the state’s energy future.
Decarbonising central Queensland
Central Queensland is a unique area of the state which features heavy industry, rich renewable energy resources and existing coal-fired power generators.
The area is forecast to experience a significant rise in electricity demand as existing industrial loads seek to electrify their operations and reduce their emissions.
Over the medium term, Powerlink said Queensland is likely to see changes in electricity demand and investment in renewable projects.
A reinforcement to the transmission network will be essential to prevent potential bottlenecks and ensure that energy can be efficiently transmitted to where it is needed most.
The planned retirement of the Gladstone Power Station also requires a rethink of the transmission connection into the Gladstone region.
Calvale to Calliope transmission line works
Community and landholder engagement is well underway as Powerlink begins work on an additional 275kV transmission line between Calvale Substation and Calliope River Substation, mostly co-located with existing transmission infrastructure.
Powerlink said the main benefit of co-locating the new transmission line with existing infrastructure will be reducing the social, environmental and economic impacts compared to constructing in a new location. It will also enable Powerlink to provide a tangible legacy for communities as it delivers the time-critical project to ensure reliable and secure supply.
Delivering Queensland’s REZs
Powerlink has been appointed the body to deliver Queensland’s Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), with work well underway in developing the first REZ in Central Queensland, known as the Callide REZ.
Queensland is taking a unique approach which will see the market guide how REZs are developed. Powerlink’s role will be to ensure the best electricity generation mix in the right location at the right time by identifying areas of developer interest, close to areas of the transmission network with sufficient capacity.
Powerlink said that ongoing engagement with communities within REZ boundaries will be a priority.
REZ projects deliver economic benefits to nearby regions, generating employment opportunities and fostering long-term economic growth through improved energy security and reliability.
CopperString 2032
Another key focus for Powerlink is to deliver CopperString 2032, an 840km mega-project that will connect Mount Isa to the NEM near Townsville.
In connecting North West Queensland to the NEM, Powerlink said that more than $500 billion worth of minerals critical to the energy transition will be unlocked, along with potentially the nation’s largest REZ in the Flinders council area.
Connecting regional mining and industrial hubs to the broader national electricity grid means energy accessibility and reliability in remote areas will be enhanced, as will the delivery of new renewable energy sources to major energy consumption centres across the NEM.
The CopperString project also serves as a catalyst for other infrastructure investments in the region, such as telecommunications, thereby fostering comprehensive regional development in areas such as education, health and community safety, Powerlink said.
CopperString is more than a construction and regional development project – it’s a community project.
Sentiment along the corridor from local government, community and local businesses is largely positive and shows a commitment to regional development, potentially transforming North Queensland into a hub of industrial and economic activity.
The CopperString 2032 Experience Centre recently opened in Townsville.
It showcases the significance of the project to North Queensland through immersive educational experiences, genuine critical minerals from the North West Minerals Province and job opportunities across the project and the renewable and mining sectors more broadly.
The CopperString project does, however, have its challenges.
The sheer length and terrain the transmission line traverses requires meticulous planning and coordination to ensure timely and to-budget completion, Powerlink said.
Securing the necessary regulatory and environmental approvals as well as land access agreements is another critical aspect that requires ongoing, effective stakeholder communication and engagement.
The project must also address the technical complexities of integrating a vast and remote area into the national grid, which involves sophisticated engineering and construction techniques.
The project team have scoured the world learning about different tower designs and innovative construction techniques to deliver CopperString.
Additionally, Powerlink said environmental and cultural heritage considerations must be carefully managed to ensure that the project is sustainable and respectful of local communities and ecosystems.
Powerlink is nearing completion of the detailed design of the project, which has resulted in two realignments to the original concept to date.
Long-standing relationships with global suppliers have also resulted in Powerlink securing critical equipment with long lead times such as shunt reactors, transformers and conductors.
Boosting grid security
Powerlink’s efforts through CopperString and the reinforcement of the grid in Central Queensland underscore a commitment to bolstering Queensland’s energy security and reliability and driving prices down for Queenslanders.
Unpredictable global factors remain a strong influence on delivering Powerlink’s program of works across the state.
As the world transitions to renewable energy, demand and costs for critical specialist equipment increases. As transmission lines are constructed to support the transition, the demand for skilled workers increases as well.
These projects, while complex and challenging, offer immense benefits in terms of infrastructure resilience, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, Powerlink said.
By addressing current limitations and preparing for future demands, Powerlink is securing the energy future of Queensland and contributing to the broader goals of sustainable, inclusive development and mandated targets for emissions reduction and renewable energy.
As these projects advance, they will play a crucial role in shaping the energy landscape of Queensland, ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of innovation in power transmission.
Powerlink said that by undertaking projects like building a resilient Central Queensland backbone and CopperString, it is demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the resilience and reliability of Queensland’s electricity supply.
Such projects are not just about building new transmission lines and substations; they are about creating a sustainable and secure energy future for all Queenslanders.
Reinforcing the grid in Central Queensland and building CopperString represent critical components of Powerlink’s broader strategy to maintain reliability of supply, support the state’s long-term energy needs and decarbonise the state’s economy.
Through these efforts, Powerlink said that it is not only addressing immediate challenges but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy system that will benefit Queensland for generations to come.
The successful implementation of these projects will require continued collaboration and engagement with all stakeholders, including government agencies, Traditional Owners, industry partners, local communities, and environmental groups.
New infrastructure also brings the opportunity to bridge the digital divide to regional communities by stringing telecommunications cable, Powerlink said.
Work being scoped through Powerlink and Energy Queensland’s subsidiary, Queensland Capacity Network (QCN), has potential to increase internet speeds and reduce mobile blackspots.
Landholders who are hosting transmission infrastructure across Queensland will also have access to nation-leading compensation scheme, the SuperGrid Landholder Payment Framework.
Powerlink said that the framework was recently revised with changing community expectations and now also extends to landholders adjacent to transmission easements.
By working together, Powerlink and its partners can overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities on offer, ultimately contributing to a world-class energy future for Queensland and the NEM.
