Major projects to meet future power demand

Major projects have begun to meet the growing need for power in south-east Queensland, according to Mines and Energy Minister, Geoff Wilson.

Wilson said the Bligh Government was looking beyond the horizon to where and when essential electricity infrastructure will be needed. "We're the fastest growing state in the national electricity market," Wilson said.

"Powerlink's forecasts show that in the south-east corner, the peak electricity demand is forecast to grow at a rate of 4.1% per year over the next 10 years, driven by sustained population growth and the continued uptake and use of air conditioning."

Generation capacity across Queensland's transmission network would be boosted with a further 1568 megawatts by 2010 to meet the demand, Wilson said.

The current total generation capacity is about 11,350 megawatts.

Wilson said people who live and work in the south-east would benefit from a boost to the region's generating capacity.

"They will be the beneficiaries of a more secure and reliable electricity network. This is about planning for and managing growth," he said.

Powerlink has a number of other projects currently underway in south-east Queensland, including:

• construction of a 275 kV transmission line between South Pine and Sandgate;
• construction of a 275 kV substation at Abermain; and
• installation of an additional transformer at Powerlink's Murarrie Substation and installation and upgrades to equipment at a number of other substations, including the Palmwoods, Greenbank and South Pine substations.

Powerlink is also planning and undertaking public consultation on other long-term transmission line projects in the region.