- The Crisafulli Government's Energy Roadmap to deliver advanced power solutions through large synchronous condensers.
- Through a partnership between Powerlink and Hitachi, the machines will support grid stability, maintain system strength requirements and voltage stability.
- Construction work is due to commence in 2027, with installations by the end of 2029.
- The Crisafulli Government's Energy Roadmap is delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for Queensland, with a 10 per cent drop in power prices expected next financial year.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering advanced critical work to upgrade the State's electricity transmission network in Central Queensland as part of the Energy Roadmap.
Powerlink Queensland has signed an agreement with Hitachi Energy to supply and install four synchronous condensers to bolster the electricity transmission network as the power system evolves.
Synchronous condensers will be used to reinforce the network, maintain voltage stability and inertia and support the State's reliable grid operations.
The machines complement system strength provided by existing coal generation in the market, along with other measures include grid-firming battery energy storage systems, gas turbines and pumped hydro energy systems.
Their purchase and installation are part of a wider program of work being delivered in the Energy Roadmap to improve Queensland's existing energy assets while building what is needed for the future, after the former Labor Government failed to invest in Queensland's energy network.
The Energy Roadmap is investing in coal and gas generation to safeguard domestic energy security and support industry across the State, while building the capacity needed for the future.
After a decade of decline under Labor in which power prices rose by nearly 20 per cent in a single year, the Crisafulli Government's Energy Roadmap is putting downward pressure on power prices which are set to drop by 10 per cent throughout Queensland next financial year.
Powerlink is proposing to install two machines at Calliope River Substation near Gladstone, with one each at Nebo and Stanwell substations by 2029.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the procurement of the synchronous condensers was a significant investment into Queensland's power system.
"Powerlink's essential work to reinforce our transmission network in Central Queensland is vital to ensure Queensland's energy security and reliability into the future," Treasurer Janetzki said.
"Work to upgrade, strengthen and enable new generation in Central Queensland will benefit industries, local communities and our State's economy for generations to come.
"This path for this investment is clear in the Energy Roadmap and the Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering a reliable and secure energy system for Queensland."
Powerlink Interim Chief Executive Darryl Rowell said achieving this agreement with Hitachi Energy is a significant milestone for the delivery of a stronger electricity transmission network.
"These machines will ensure the core of Queensland's power system remains strong," Mr Rowell said.
"The first two of these machines will become operational in early 2029, with the following two operational later that year.
"Our team has been out across Central Queensland talking about the need for synchronous condensers and is engaging with communities about the specifics of the project, including the locations of the machines."
Hitachi Energy Australia's Managing Director Bernard Norton said Queenslanders will benefit from advanced power quality solutions.
"As our energy landscape evolves, Queensland communities will benefit from a resilient, stable and reliable grid," Mr Norton said.
