In June 2025, Powerlink Queensland published a Project Assessment Conclusions Report (PACR) to address system strength requirements in Queensland from December 2025.
System strength is a measure of the ability of the network to control the voltage both during steady state operation and in response to a network disturbance, such as a sudden change in generation or load, or fault on the network.
The Queensland energy system has historically comprised synchronous generation such as coal-fired power stations, gas turbines and hydro-electric plants. These large synchronous generators have also provided various services including system strength as a by-product of their dispatch for energy, enabling the power system to operate stably.
The increased share of generation from renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind generation, means that system strength services are less freely available and must be planned for and delivered by other means.
As the System Strength Service Provider for Queensland, Powerlink is required to take action to plan, procure and make available system strength services as set out in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO’s) annual Transition Plan for System Security.
Powerlink commenced the System Strength Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) in March 2023 with publication of a Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR). In November 2024, Powerlink published the Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) which outlined Powerlink’s assessment of credible options to address system strength requirements from December 2025 to December 2030.
Powerlink notified the AER on 19 August 2026 that a Material Change in Circumstances (MCC) had occurred for this RIT-T. On 9 September the AER published on its website, Powerlink’s notification and AER determination accepting our proposed actions to the identified MCC to:
- publish a draft MCC analysis by 19 October 2026,
- undertake a 30-business day public consultation period, and
- publish a final statement responding to submissions and identify any refinements to the preferred option by 9 December 2026.
The RIT-T documents and reports relating to the System Strength RIT-T, are available below.
Project Assessment Conclusions Report
Project Assessment Draft report
Notice of extension
Project Specification Consultation Report
Project Specification Consultation Report Submissions
System strength unit prices rule change proposal consultation
In the context of engagement activities with consumers and the general community, Powerlink has assessed this project as ‘complex’ on the RIT-T stakeholder engagement matrix.
A public webinar was held on 28 November 2024. This session was designed to assist non-network solution providers and stakeholders in preparing proposals for Powerlink’s PADR. It covered key requirements, provided context on Queensland’s system strength needs, and addressed participant questions. Resources from the session, including the recording, presentation slides and Q&A responses, are available on our engagement forums page.