North Queensland secures renewable energy hub

10GW Energy Super Hub win for North Queensland, but calls for CopperString remain unanswered

Townsville Enterprise member, Windlab set to supercharge solar and wind generation from Hughenden

North Queensland is set to lead the state’s renewable energy future with a new North Queensland Super Hub announced by the Premier and Deputy Premier today in Townsville.

The new Super Hub will bring together wind and solar projects, estimated to generate more than 10 gigawatts of renewable energy, and will see large scale developments at Townsville Enterprise member Windlab/Kennedy Energy Park in Hughenden to create the world's leading renewables hub. 

Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said the announcement made from Townsville today is recognition and a well-deserved endorsement for the region’s green energy credentials and a step in the right direction to realise the state’s Energy Plan. 

“We congratulate our member Windlab on today’s announcement and acknowledge the dedication and commitment to the North’s emerging energy capabilities,” Ms Brumme-Smith said.

Detailed planning is also now underway for the North Queensland Super Hub, with the first stage to include the 800-megawatt Prairie Wind Farm, managed by Windlab/Kennedy Energy Park and owned by Fortescue Future Industries.

• The Prairie Wind Farm alone will support up to 240 jobs during construction, and 10 to 15 permanent, full-time jobs during operation. 
• Construction is expected to commence on the first stage by 2025, with the projects producing clean, green power by 2027. 

However, while the generation of green energy is the first step toward a renewable future, Ms Brumme-Smith said there will be no real transition without the transmission capabilities of projects like CopperString.

“Having recently received approval for their Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from the Queensland Government's Coordinator-General, CopperString will be the enabling transmission project to the energy transition in North Queensland - and it's ready to go now.”

“With the Premier's announcement for the region's Super Hub in Townsville today, we call on the Queensland Government to follow through with support for CopperString to transmit the future for Townsville North Queensland.”