Gladstone Project

Overview

The Gladstone Project aims to strengthen and increase the capacity of the electricity transmission network in the region. This will ensure the electricity network remains safe and reliable as the region prepares for the eventual retirement of the Gladstone Power Station, and heavy industry moves towards electrification of its operations, increasing demand on the network.

It is a critical program of transmission upgrades that will see several projects planned, assessed and delivered in stages over the next decade. It involves constructing new transmission lines and transmission infrastructure such as substations and associated equipment.

The Gladstone Project will be delivered in two stages. Visit the project's Community Hub pages to find out more.  

Gladstone Project Stage 1

Calvale to Calliope River Transmission Line Reinforcement

The construction of a new 275 kV line from Calvale to Gladstone West to Calliope River, to be completed by March 2029. 

Visit the Gladstone Project Stage 1 Community Hub 

Gladstone Project Stage 2

Bouldercombe to Larcom Creek Transmission Line Reinforcement

Establishing a new proposed Gladstone West Substation by June 2029, construction of a new 275 kV line from Bouldercombe to Gladstone West by August 2030, and acquisition of Gladstone West to Larcom Creek easements by early-2030. 

Visit the Gladstone project stage 2 Community Hub

Why is the Gladstone Project needed?

The purpose of the Gladstone Project is to help ensure Central Queensland continues to have a safe, reliable and secure electricity supply as the region's energy system changes. It responds to two key drivers:

• Enabling an evolving energy mix
  The Gladstone Power Station is expected to retire in the coming years. As a result, more electricity will need to be supplied into the region from other existing and new sources of supply, such as solar farms, large-scale batteries and other generation types. The Gladstone Project enables these outcomes.
   
• Growing demand from industry
  Gladstone is one of Queensland's largest industrial centres. As the regional community and industries grow and businesses electrify parts of their operations, demand for electricity is expected to increase.

Gladstone Project regulatory investment process

Investment and funding decisions have been assessed as part of the Queensland Government’s Priority Transmission Investment (PTI) process. Please refer to our PTI webpage for further information on this investment process.

Information for suppliers

Most work on Powerlink’s major projects is delivered through our principal contractors, who manage most construction-phase procurement. This means opportunities for local businesses and workers will largely flow through these contractors and their supply chains, rather than directly through Powerlink.

Powerlink will procure some specialised goods and services directly where required.

Local and Indigenous participation is a priority for Powerlink. We set clear expectations through our procurement and contracting processes and work closely with our contractors to identify opportunities early, support local capability, and deliver strong participation outcomes across employment, subcontracting and supply.

Further information for suppliers looking to support this project is available on Powerlink’s Gateway by ICN webpage.

Information for energy project proponents

Connection enquiries and applications are being accepted for the Gladstone Project. Visit the Gladstone Project PTI webpage for a summary of the final directed scope and connections information.