With considerable advances being made towards a cleaner energy future all around the world, one such initiative focuses on bidding farewell to gas and petrol by tapping into the idea of an energy superhighway that will span about 1,000 km of transmission lines. Oceania, a grouping of islands considered a continent, is the region headed towards such a large-scale transformation.
A peek into the transmission system envisioned by CopperString 2032
CopperString 2032, which is led by Powerlink Queensland, is a project devoted to pushing forward the $5 billion energy superhighway that will connect Queensland’s North West Province to the National Electricity Market (NEM).
The goal that this project has in mind is clear: moving away from gas and petrol and leaping forward with renewable-powered electrification infrastructure for communities. The project goes a step further by planning 840 km of high-voltage lines that have been drafted between Townsville and Mount Isa. In Australia, this $1,4 billion clean energy investment has the power to reveal a continent powered not by gas or petrol.
CopperString 2032 is one project of interest, as the scale of this project in Northern Australia is not expected. The idea is to have a transmission system that features:
- A 220-kilovolt connection that reaches Mount Isa
- A 330-kilovolt connecting line that goes further to Cloncurry
- A 500-kilovolt line expanding from Townsville to Hughenden
An additional six substation sites are being considered along with these connection lines. Several workforce accommodation hubs to enable safe construction beyond the remote and rugged terrain are also in the works.
The entire project has been strategically planned and is not only geared towards facilitating energy transfer but also integrating the Flinders Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), which will be one of the largest clean energy generation areas of Oceania.
The pathway to span beyond expectation not only leads to energy independence and a shift away from reliance on fossil fuels but also showcases one such project that will create more jobs for the locals. The project, when operational, will ensure connection to the NEM, which will surely make renewables desirable and the preferred option over diesel as well as gas.
Oceania’s transformation due to CopperString 2032
Oceania is divided into four regions: Melanesia, Micronesia, Australia, and Polynesia. This energy transformation in the mind will create job opportunities in the mining sector. In fact, the North West Minerals Province houses some of the best mineral reserves featuring rare earth elements, like zinc and copper. This proves rare earth minerals are not only in China’s hands.
CopperString 2032 is set to change the game by providing a renewable grid that reduces the reliance on gas and diesel for many mines. By reducing the reliance on gas and diesel, CopperString 2032 will reduce operational costs too.
The benefit extends far beyond just roping in many miners to mine for rare earth elements. Certain townships, like Julia Creek and Richmond, will benefit tremendously since local contractors are being sought out and used.
Clean electricity dependence and economic self-sufficiency
CopperString 2032 is doing more than just focusing on transmission towers and substations. CopperString 2032 is set to improve the social and economic future of the continent of Oceania. With partnerships such as that with James Cook University, another aim of the project is to promote education and workforce development linked to the renewable energy sector.
Workshops that are listed under the “Pathways to Opportunities” initiatives are aimed at tapping into the potential of local suppliers whilst simultaneously assisting them to adapt to the demands of infrastructure contracts. Long-term benefits beyond mere construction are ensured.
China may be finding the energy to power the earth, however, CopperString 2032 has placed the continent of Oceania, with particular emphasis on Queensland, at the forefront of this regional decarbonization mission. The 1,000 km stretch of voltage and steel signifies the end of overreliance on petrol and gas and provides a full overview of what a cleaner energy future could look like.
