Grid go-ahead for project

PLANS for the $1.7bn Copperstring project have moved a step closer with approval granted by the state government for proponent Custring Pty Ltd to operate a transmission grid.

It means Custring can join stateowned Powerlink as a provider of transmission network services when its proposed transmission line and other services are built. CopperString2.0 is a high-voltage transmission network that will connect North

West Queensland with the national electricity grid near Townsville.

While connection with the national grid is promising to lower energy prices to the North West, it will also provide the transmission infrastructure needed for big wind and solar farm projects along the corridor.

Custring managing director Joseph O’brien said the approval was a major milestone for the company and project.

“This transmission authority authorises Custring to operate a transmission grid in Queensland, including the connection of the transmission grid to another transmission network, to mines, industrial facilities and power stations,’’ Mr O’brien said.

“This backbone infrastructure will power North and North West Queensland’s staggering economic potential, which is linked to electrification and decarbonisation of the world’s economy.

“The unstoppable energy transition under way across the globe plays right into the hands of North and

North West Queensland because of our immense mineral and clean energy resources, and our existing capability to produce and export these commodities.

“In an electrified world Northern Queensland has the sort of opportunity that Texas had in an oil-powered world 150 years ago.”

A spokeswoman for the Department of Energy and Public Works said the regulator in the department had issued a transmission authority to Custring Pty Ltd, authorising it to operate the proposed Copperstring transmission grid and connect it to Powerlink’s transmission network and Ergon Energy’s supply network.

Mr O’brien said the transmission authority was a key milestone for Copperstring but not the final approval for the project.

The Copperstring team was continuing to work with state and federal governments, major minerals businesses, clean energy projects, and the Northern Queensland community to prepare the project for construction.