Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro and NQ Connection Project

Overview

Powerlink will be delivering the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Connection Project to provide the transmission infrastructure required to safely and reliably connect Queensland Hydro’s planned Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project to the electricity grid.

Status

Powerlink is in the early phases of planning a transmission connection into the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project site. This connection continues to be investigated as part of wider planning for Stage 3 of the Queensland SuperGrid - a 750km transmission corridor between Gladstone and Townsville. 

A formal study area, which will include the connection into the proposed pumped hydro site, will be the first step in the formal engagement process.  Powerlink will release a formal study area for the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin connection for public comment in late 2024/early 2025.

This allows time for Powerlink to identify high-level connection points, engage with Traditional Owner groups and other stakeholders, and complete a range of desktop assessments across the 750km-long Stage 3 section of the Queensland SuperGrid, including detailed constraints mapping. All of these activities will provide more certainty and detail for community members as project planning continues. 

Powerlink can confirm the transmission lines for the connection to the pumped hydro site will run from the proposed upper reservoir (north of the main area of Eungella) and travel west.  

Powerlink’s comprehensive two-way engagement process, the Transmission Easement Engagement Process, ensures there will be multiple opportunities for the community to provide their input into the project as it progresses over coming years.

If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact our project team on the contact section of this webpage.