Countdown to CopperString 2032
Project Proponent
Powerlink Queensland is a leading Australian provider of high voltage electricity transmission network services, combining innovation with insight to deliver safe, cost-effective and reliable solutions.
The Powerlink-led Copperstring 2032 project is the construction of 840km electricity transmission line from south of Townsville to Mount Isa and connecting the the North West Mineral Province to the National Electricity Market. Along with providing cheaper and cleaner energy to mines across the transmission line, the abundance of wind and solar resources will be imperative in the decarbonisation movement.
Major procurement milestones, including the contract awarded to ATCO Structures for both the Richmond and Hughenden workforce accommodation, and the contracts for the supply of transformers and high voltage powerlines were just some of the highlights shared at Townsville Enterprise (TEL)'s Mining and Critical Minerals forum.
“This national building project will secure the future of the North and North-west through providing affordable green power, unlocking new mining opportunities, and improving global competitiveness of our refining and processing industries."
Claudia Brumme-Smith, Townsville Enterprise CEO
Development of the Transmission Line
Construction started on the Hughenden workforce accommodation in mid-2024, with other accommodation to be built along the corridor including Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry, Pentland, and Charters Towers. The workforce accommodation and facilities will be built ahead of the transmission line and substation construction to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the employees, and along with the logistical efficiency and positive community relation within these regions.
The first section of the transmission line to be built will be the 330kV line between Hughenden and Cloncurry, which is expected to start in early 2025. The next stage will be the connection to Mount Isa with the construction of the 220kV line, with the final development of the easter link expected to begin in late 2026 with the 500kV line from Hughenden to the the Mulgrave Substation, in the Burdekin region (south of Townsville) and connected to the national energy market.
Powerlink has recently opened its Copperstring Experience Centre in the Townsville CBD that features eight immersive and education zones. The hub will be accessible to visitors of all ages to showcase the CopperString project, the history of energy in Queensland and the importance of the North West Mineral Province and Renewable Energy Zones to Australia's energy transition.
