$50 million boost to North Queensland power supply

The North Queensland region will benefit from the recent completion of a $50 million project to reinforce electricity supplies to the region, Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson announced today.

“A Static Var Compensator, which allows the high voltage transmission system to deliver more power was installed at Powerlink’s Strathmore Substation, inland from Bowen,” Mr Wilson said.

“It’s part of a $450 million-plus program to increase the capacity of the transmission network between Central and Northern Queensland.

“The equipment is especially important given the increase in electricity demand in North and Far North Queensland in recent years.

“The demand for electricity has grown steadily in recent years due to ongoing residential and industrial development.

“The growth is forecast to continue at around 3.5% per annum over the next 10-year period.

“To ensure a reliable supply of high voltage electricity is maintained to this growing area into the future, Powerlink is undertaking a staged upgrade of the transmission network between Broadsound and Townsville.

“The installation of the Strathmore Static Var Compensator is part of the first stage of this program to reinforce supply to North Queensland,” he said.

Powerlink Chief Executive Gordon Jardine said the upgrade of Powerlink’s transmission network between Central and North Queensland would be undertaken in three stages, with the final stage currently scheduled to be completed in 2010.

“The first stage of the project also includes a new transmission line which is currently under construction from Broadsound to Nebo.

“Stages two and three of the project will see new transmission lines constructed between Nebo and Strathmore substations, and Strathmore and Ross (Townsville) substations, by 2010.

“When completed, the new infrastructure will increase the transmission capacity into North Queensland by about 40 per cent, which is equivalent to around 400 megawatts. This is sufficient to meet forecast increases in electricity demand well into the future,” Mr Jardine said.

Media inquiries: Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332