Powerlink Queensland has published a Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) to address system strength requirements in Queensland from December 2025.
System strength is a measure of the ability of the network to maintain and control the voltage both during steady state operation and in response to a network disturbance, such as a sudden change in generation or load, or fault on the network.
The Queensland energy system has historically comprised synchronous generation such as coal-fired generators, gas turbines and hydro-electric plants. These large synchronous generators have also provided various services as a by-product of their dispatch for energy, including system strength, to enable the power system to operate stably. The transition of the energy system to renewable energy, particularly solar and wind generation, means that certain system services are less freely available and must be planned for and delivered by other means.
As the System Strength Service Provider for Queensland, Powerlink is required to take action to plan, procure and make available system strength services as set out in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO’s) annual System Strength Reports.
Powerlink commenced the System Strength Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) in March 2023 with publication of a Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR), which invited proposals from proponents who considered they could offer potential non-network solutions that were both technically and economically feasible by 2030. The PADR is the second step in the RIT-T process, and sets out Powerlink’s technical and economic assessment of credible options to address system strength requirements from December 2025.
In accordance with the National Electricity Rules, a summary of the PADR has been made available on AEMO’s website. A copy of the PADR can be obtained from the Powerlink Website on the RIT-T Consultations page or by emailing networkassessments@powerlink.com.au.
Powerlink invites submissions and comments from market participants, AEMO, potential non-network providers, and any other interested parties, on the PADR and the draft preferred option presented.
Submissions are due by COB Friday, 20 December 2024.
Any enquiries should be directed in the first instance to:
Manager, Portfolio Planning and Optimisation
Powerlink Queensland
PO Box 1193
VIRGINIA QLD 4014
Telephone (+617) 3860 2111