Planning for a future 500kV network

Based on current planning forecasts, the 275kV transmission network servicing South East Queensland is expected to approach its capacity limits within the next five years. At the same time, the area is rapidly becoming more urbanised, placing significant land use planning constraints on the 'footprint' of the future transmission network.

This factor, when combined with the high load growth in the south east corner, means it’s now time to move to a higher capacity network.

The logical next step is a 500kV network. A 500kV line has about three times the capacity of a 275kV line, with only a slightly larger 'footprint'. Having previously recognised the increasing challenges of urbanisation and land use planning constraints, Powerlink has been acquiring strategic easements for the future 500kV network over recent years.

For more information download the brochure below.

Documents

A new 500kV transmission network (947KB)