Construction work is underway on a 275kV Queensland SuperGrid Link between Cairns and Townsville.

It’s an upgrade from the existing 132kV coastal transmission line.

The work both added value to the service and created access for renewable energy generation said Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni.

“This Queensland SuperGrid link between Cairns and Townsville will improve the reliability, security and affordability of energy supply to North Queenslanders, and unlocks up to 500MW of additional renewable energy capacity on this third circuit to the far north,” Mr De Brenni said.

“It means we can pump more renewables into the Queensland SuperGrid and create more good jobs in our publicly owned energy system for workers in North Queensland.

“This new SuperGrid Link also improves grid reliability for North Queenslanders to better manage extreme weather events such as storms and cyclones.”

The investment in this project, including $40million from the state government, was essential in supporting the $373 million Kaban Green Power Hub said Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt.

“That project has supported 250 jobs, and once complete this year will generate enough clean energy to power tens of thousands of homes,” Mr Pitt said.

“That project, the first in the North Queensland Renewable Energy Zone, is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the world-renowned wind resources of Northern Queensland.

“With this new Queensland SuperGrid Link between Cairns to Townsville, more locals can get access to cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy.”

Photo: Powerlink Kaban newly built tower climb