Powerlink’s 2025 Transmission Network Forum has attracted a record attendance of more than 700 people from across the Australian energy sector.
Queensland’s leading energy industry event brought together industry, government and community representatives to outline the future of the state’s transmission network.
The recent release of Queensland’s Energy Roadmap reinforced the important role that Powerlink’s network will play in providing affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
Interim Chief Executive Darryl Rowell said Powerlink’s focus was on unlocking capacity from its existing network to complement its augmentation projects.
“The evolution of Queensland’s power system will require Powerlink to invest in new transmission infrastructure – particularly in Central Queensland,” he said.
“We have a significant body of work in Gladstone to strengthen the network and ensure the network operates in a secure state as the generation mix changes.
“We are also focused on using innovation and new thinking to unlock more capacity from our existing network.
“Whether that be through real-time line ratings or cutting-edge protection schemes – we need to move more energy over our existing lines to reduce the need for new infrastructure.
“This is all about providing the most cost-effective transmission network for Queensland.
“Every year the forum gets bigger, demonstrating the vital platform transmission plays for all other parts of the power system.
“The forum is an important opportunity for us to hear from our customers and communities to ensure we have the settings right to enable the ongoing sustainability of the energy system.”
The event also marked outgoing Chief Executive Paul Simshauser’s last day with the organisation.
In his final ‘State of the Network’ address, Professor Simshauser outlined the requirement for everything to be in balance when planning a future power system.
“The power system is evolving and Powerlink has been at the forefront of this change,” he said.
“We have faced significant headwinds but pulled together to find innovative solutions to drive value for the more than five million Queenslanders we exist to serve.
“It’s been an honour to lead an organisation full of people who come to work wanting to make a difference each day.”
The tenth annual Transmission Network Forum also featured a presentation by Stewart Bell, Executive General Manager, Operations and Planning, on how the industry can better share information to make decisions in an increasingly complex environment.
Executive General Manager Network Investment, Jacqui Bridge also presented the key insights from the recently released Powerlink Transmission Annual Planning Report (TAPR).
Learn more about Powerlink's Transmission Network Forum.
