Queensland’s $60 billion gas industry has been given another boost following the completion of construction on a vital hub substation in the North West Surat Basin.
Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the Yuleba North Substation will act as the central point for more than 200 kilometres of new high voltage transmission lines, supplying power to six gas processing facilities owned by Santos GLNG and Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG).
“The completion of Yuleba North Substation marks another significant step in our work to extend the existing high voltage transmission network in the North West Surat Basin,” Mr Pitt said.
“Powerlink’s construction work has injected over $14 million into the North West Surat Basin local economy in the first five months of this year.
“The APLNG and GLNG non-regulated projects are expected to cost around $506 million in acquisition and construction.
“It’s estimated that electricity demand in the northwest Surat will increase from about 100MW to 600MW before 2016, more than peak demand for the whole Sunshine Coast and surrounding hinterland.
“That’s exactly why we kept our energy assets in state hands, to continue the delivery of essential energy services and infrastructure such as this.”
Powerlink has completed construction of six of its seven substations in North West Surat, with Blythdale Substation due for completion in August this year.
Minister for Energy Mark Bailey said the final section of transmission line was due for completion by early 2016.
“The transmission lines between Yuleba North and Blythdale substations will be the last link in the network,” he said.
“This electricity network provides crucial support for Queensland’s coal seam gas industry, generating significant economic benefits for the state.”
Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said Powerlink was proud to be contributing toward the economic growth of Queensland.
“This new substation represents a key milestone for Powerlink in the Surat, having taken three years of planning and construction to deliver,” she said.
“When the substation becomes operational it will be the central hub for our transmission network in the region, connecting 217 kilometres of transmission lines in an area bounded by Wandoan, Roma and Injune.”
Powerlink has completed more than 30 transmission connection services for loads and generators in the last 15 years.
Add Comment