Australia Pacific LNG plugged into high voltage network

Work is complete on the final connection for Australia Pacific LNG to plug into Powerlink Queensland’s new transmission network in the North West Surat Basin.

The new high voltage electricity infrastructure is now powering three Australia Pacific LNG gas processing facilities between Roma and Wandoan, delivering coal seam gas into the 530 kilometre pipeline to its LNG facility on Curtis Island.

The announcement coincides with Treasurer Curtis Pitt's tour today of APLNG's facility on Curtis Island with APLNG CEO Page Maxson.

“The $60 billion gas industry is a major source of employment in Queensland. Powerlink’s delivery of this project is helping to secure jobs and support the state’s ongoing economic growth,” Mr Pitt said.

“This construction work has also had a major impact at the local level, with more than $20 million injected into local businesses and service providers in the region so far this year.”

“Establishing the new high voltage electricity transmission network in the North West Surat Basin facilitated the long-term viability of the resource sector.

“It’s estimated that electricity demand in the North West Surat will increase from about 100MW to 600MW before 2016, more than peak demand for the whole Sunshine Coast and surrounding hinterland.

“To meet this need, Powerlink entered into commercial agreements with Australia Pacific LNG and Santos GLNG to deliver 200 kilometres of transmission line and seven substations in total, with all costs paid for by the customers requesting the connections.”

Origin Integrated Gas Chief Executive Officer David Baldwin said the new transmission network represented a major investment for the region.

“Australia Pacific LNG’s partnership with Powerlink has delivered the critical infrastructure necessary to power our business and deliver ongoing benefits to Queensland for decades to come,” Mr Baldwin said.

Powerlink Queensland Chief Executive Merryn York said Powerlink had long-term experience in delivering large-scale transmission solutions such as this.

"Powerlink has completed more than 30 transmission connection services for loads and generators in the last 15 years, and we look forward to continuing to support Queensland industry,” Ms York said.

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