Transmission
Transmission will keep pace with demand growth and decentralisation of the network as new generation and storage capacity connects to the electricity grid.
While expansive development may be warranted in the future if conditions change — across electricity demand, new connection capacity and timing, and/or transmission costs relative to other options — the case for a multi-line 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission ‘backbone’ is not established at this time.
Instead, early strategic works across the network will be undertaken to preserve optionality while ensuring timely transmission infrastructure delivery.
In the short term, this will include supporting industrial loads in north and central Queensland to source affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
Queensland is committed to the Priority Transmission Investment framework and Regional Energy Hubs to progress critical transmission infrastructure in an efficient and effective manner.
Signposts
CopperString
QIC will deliver the Eastern Link of CopperString with major construction commencing by 2028 and commercial operations by 2032 (subject to approvals). This line — to be built at a 330kV specification as originally proposed, and now recommended by QIC — will catalyse new generation and storage investment in North and North West Queensland to help meet future demand in the region and across the State.
QIC is also beginning work to deliver the Western Link.
Hughenden Hub
As part of CopperString, on-the-ground works will commence at the $225 million Flinders Substation in 2025-26 which will feed new generation across the Flinders Shire into the Eastern Link of CopperString, connecting to the National Electricity Market.
North West Energy Fund
In the immediate term, QIC will work with generators, developers, investors, industry and communities to open up the North West with affordable and reliable energy — paying forward the benefits of CopperString to regional communities west of Hughenden to Mt Isa.
The $200 million North West Energy Fund will support local generation and storage solutions — in partnership with the private sector — across Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Richmond. This will deliver improved reliability and lower energy prices by increasing supply across those regions.
Gladstone Project
Powerlink is advancing the Gladstone Project to deliver essential network upgrades and reinforcements in Central Queensland to maintain system security and reliability.
Due to the age and increasing reliability risk of Gladstone Power Station — and recent notification of its potential retirement in 2029 — construction and commissioning of critical new transmission is progressing for delivery by 2029.
Priority Transmission Investment
In an efficient and effective manner, the Priority Transmission Investment framework enables critical investment in transmission network infrastructure to ensure reliability and security of supply and meet system needs.