To meet the forecast long-term electricity demand in South East Queensland, Powerlink is planning to construct a 500kV transmission network in Southern Queensland.
The network upgrade will include the construction of new transmission lines and the expansion of two existing substations which will transfer electricity into the growing South East Queensland region.
Easements for the future 500kV transmission lines have been progressively acquired over the past 20 years, and in some locations, easements are still being finalised.
The introduction of a 500kV transmission network is the most efficient way to meet this growing long-term future demand for electricity: One 500kV transmission line is capable of carrying about the same amount of electricity as three of the current (275kV) transmission lines, and thus requires much less land.
Building 500kV transmission lines will help significantly reduce the number of new easements and lines needed in the future, and make the best possible use of available land.
Significant elements of this network upgrade have been identified in the Queensland Government’s South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program (SEQIPP) for a number of years.
The proposed 500kV transmission network is part of Powerlink's 500kV plan, with the first 500kV transmission line to be constructed by 2015.