Powerlink - Notice of Consultation developing the Northern Qld Renewable Energy Zone

In May 2021 it was announced that the Queensland Government would invest $40 million in transmission line infrastructure in North Queensland to establish a Queensland Renewable Energy Zone (QREZ).

The establishment of a Northern QREZ will increase the generator hosting capacity by up to 500MW in Far North Queensland and is expected to deliver widespread benefits and drive economic growth in the region. The proposed augmentation to develop the Northern QREZ is to establish a third 275kV connection into Woree Substation.

In accordance with the requirements of sections 5.18 and 8.9 of the National Electricity Rules in relation to funded augmentations, Powerlink, as the Transmission Network Service Provider for Queensland, in June 2021 commenced Stage 1 of the consultation process. Submissions to the Stage 1 Notice and Consultation Paper have been published on Powerlink's website.

The Notice and Draft Report (including Draft Determination) has been made available on the AEMO and Powerlink websites, commencing Stage 2 of the consultation process.

Submissions to the Notice and Draft Report are required by the closing date of 13 September 2021.

Any enquiries in the first instance should be directed to:

Roger Smith
Manager Network and Alternate Solutions
Powerlink Queensland
PO Box 1193
VIRGINIA, QLD 4014

Tel: (+617) 3860 2328