Power player can be spark

TOWNSVILLE’S up- andcoming advanced manufacturing precinct could potentially plug into some of the largest renewable energy sources in the state, with Copperstring 2.0 scoping out the option.

The construction of the billion-dollar power network project, designed to connect Northwest Queensland to the grid, within the Lansdown Industrial Precinct is expected to make the area more attractive to investors.

Copperstring 2.0 founder John O’brien said the company would give “full consideration” to the option of starting the power line from the Woodstock precinct.

The project has since asked the Federal Department of Energy and Environment to grant it two variations to its original proposal; the option of connecting to Lansdown and to allow the construction of a connection to the Kennedy Renewable Energy Hub.

“There is some interest from the Townsville City Council for us to be close to or part of the Lansdown precinct,” Mr O’brien said.

“If we’re going to build a major substation, which is needed for us to link to Powerlink and for Lansdown, then there’s some logic to say do we do that at the one spot.

“I’m keen to see that we give that full consideration.”

A $2 billion battery factory, a $300 million battery metals refinery, and $23 million motorsport and driver education complex Driveit NQ are planned for the Lansdown Industrial Precinct so far.

Mayor Jenny Hill said the second round of tenders for the precinct would close next week.

“We would certainly welcome Copperstring 2.0 into the precinct as we would any project that fits into our goal of an eco-industrial and advanced manufacturing precinct that will bring jobs to Townsville,” she said.

“Copperstring 2.0 could potentially link into the network to create a green energy hub alongside Edify Energy to connect our precinct to the proposed Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Projects and the potential wind farms at Hughenden and Kennedy.

“Council is looking forward to seeing who else may be joining the Lansdown Precinct alongside the Battery Plant, Driveit NQ, Edify Energy and Pure Minerals.”

Cr Hill also flagged the recent hype around Townsville becoming the next hydrogen hub of Queensland.

Copperstring 2.0 is preparing its Environmental Impact Statement, which it will submit to the State Government by the second quarter of 2020.