Major milestones in the development of the CopperString transmission project in North and North West Queensland show how renewable energy can help power regional growth, strengthen traditional industries and unlock new economic opportunities across the state.
QREC Chief Executive Officer Katie-Anne Mulder said milestones including progress on a proposed wind farm and battery energy storage system to support MMG’s Dugald River Mine, and the awarding of bulk earthworks at the Flinders Substation near Hughenden, demonstrated that renewable energy was a key ingredient in the growth of Queensland’s traditional industries and broader economy.
“CopperString is one of Queensland’s most significant economic development projects, and renewable energy will be central to ensuring it delivers its full potential for North and North West Queensland,” Ms Mulder said.
“Renewable energy can and must coexist with agriculture, mining and regional communities. More than that, it can help these industries expand by providing access to new generation, storage and transmission infrastructure.”
Ms Mulder said the combination of CopperString, renewable generation and energy storage would help unlock the North West Minerals Province, which contains many of the resources needed for the global energy transition.
“Queensland has an enormous opportunity to use its world-class renewable resources to support the development and processing of critical minerals,” she said.
“Reliable and competitively priced renewable energy can help Queensland move beyond simply extracting critical minerals and build more processing, manufacturing and value-adding activity here in Queensland.
“That means more investment, more regional employment and a greater economic contribution from both the resources and renewable energy sectors.”
QREC welcomed the Queensland Government’s $20 million commitment for road and utility upgrades along the CopperString corridor, as well as the awarding of the Flinders Substation bulk earthworks contract to a regional Queensland-based company.
Ms Mulder said the announcement was timely, coming as Queensland households and businesses benefit from lower electricity prices from 1 July, with energy regulators recognising the contribution of increased renewable generation and battery storage to reducing wholesale electricity costs.
“As more renewable energy and storage enters the system, Queensland has the opportunity to place downward pressure on energy prices while supporting new industrial development and strengthening the reliability of the electricity network,” she said.
“CopperString should be viewed not only as a transmission project, but as an economic development corridor that can connect new renewable energy projects with mines, communities and emerging industries across regional Queensland.
“QREC looks forward to working with the Queensland Government, industry, Traditional Owners, landholders and regional communities to ensure CopperString supports responsible renewable energy development and delivers lasting economic benefits across North and North West Queensland.”
Click here to view the Queensland Government Media Statement