More than 600 industry stakeholders met in Brisbane last week for Powerlink’s annual Transmission Network Forum.
Powerlink CEO Paul Simshauser delivered his annual ‘State of the Network’ address focussing on how the market will lead the second phase of the energy transition.
Simshauser says the best outcomes will happen when policy, investment and innovation work together.
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“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 says.
“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.”
Another key focus of this year’s Transmission Network Forum was the critical role Central Queensland will play in Queensland’s electricity transmission network.
Powerlink general manager of energy futures Daniel Andersen says, “Gladstone is at the forefront of an industrial revitalisation which will set an example of how other load hubs across Queensland can transform.
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“Gladstone accounts for 20% of Queensland’s total load, with longer term forecasts showing a further increase in demand of between three to eight gigawatts 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.”
