Priority Transmission Investments
New high voltage backbone transmission will be vital to Queensland’s energy transformation, to ensure power is moved to where it is needed, when it is needed across the state.
The Priority Transmission Investment (PTI) framework allows Queensland to identify, assess, build and fund critical backbone transmission infrastructure at the scale and pace outlined in the Queensland SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint.
The PTI framework is established in the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Act 2024, which was passed by Parliament in April 2024.
What types of projects are eligible for the PTI framework?
To be eligible for the PTI framework, projects must form part of Queensland’s optimal infrastructure pathway, which is outlined in the Queensland SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint. Projects must be significant electricity infrastructure investments that support Queensland to achieve three optimal infrastructure pathway objectives:
- The achievement of the renewable energy targets;
- The provision of a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity to Queensland consumers;
- The long-term minimisation of the cost of electricity for Queensland consumers.
What is the process for PTI projects?
The PTI framework is made up of four stages:
- Identification: projects that are prescribed as ‘eligible PTI’ may progress through the PTI framework. To be eligible, a project must be identified as being part of Queensland’s optimal infrastructure pathway and prescribed in regulation.
- Assessment: once a project has been declared a ‘candidate PTI’, the responsible Ministers may direct Powerlink to assess it. This assessment is based on the national cost benefit analysis for transmission, the Regulatory Investment Test-Transmission, with appropriate and minimal modifications permitted to make it fit-for-purpose for Queensland’s needs.
- Construction: Following the assessment stage, the responsible Ministers decide whether to declare the project a PTI and accordingly direct Powerlink to build it. The project will be delivered in line with its need-date on Queensland’s optimal infrastructure pathway.
- Cost recovery: The PTI framework enables the responsible Ministers to direct Powerlink to recover its costs, through its revenue determination process, in the manner determined by the responsible Ministers.
Current PTI projects
The list of eligible PTI projects is prescribed in the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Regulation 2024.
The Queensland SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint (2022) identifies five critical transmission projects:
- Stage 1 – Borumba connections
- Stage 2 – Central Queensland connection
- Stage 3 – Pioneer Burdekin PHES and NQ connection
- Stage 4 – Townsville to Hughenden connection
- Stage 5 – Gladstone Project
Additional projects may be prescribed in the Regulation over time.
Powerlink also keeps an up-to-date list of PTI projects at each stage of the PTI process. To learn more, visit their website.
- Last updated
- 12 September 2024