Powerlink is undertaking critical upgrades at the Belmont Substation, including works on two 11kV underground cables, two station service transformers and two auxiliary transformers. This substation plays a critical role in servicing the electricity requirements of the Brisbane CBD, south-eastern suburbs and Port of Brisbane.

As part of the upgrades, Powerlink is installing new busbars and related equipment to interface with the adjacent Energex substation. Commissioning of this infrastructure was completed in December 2025 with completion of the final busbar expected by mid-2026.

The two 11kV cables and station service transformers had reached the end of their technical service life and were replaced in 2023. The two auxiliary transformers were more than 40 years old and not compatible with modern cable termination technology. One transformer was replaced and commissioned in 2023, with the second now completed and commissioned in December 2025.

The Redbank Plains Substation, located around 27km south-west of Brisbane, was established in 1985 and supplies electricity to Energex’s local distribution network. It also provides additional switching capability for alternative power transfer between our Blackstone and Goodna substations.

Both transformers, along with a range of ageing equipment in the substation, are nearing the end of their technical service life and require replacement to maintain the ongoing safe, reliable and cost-effective supply of electricity into the future. Works to install new equipment commenced in February 2025 and are scheduled for completion in late 2026.

Major secondary system replacement works are underway at Powerlink’s Tangkam and Oakey substations, located about two hours west of Brisbane. Secondary systems are the complex network of equipment and circuits used to monitor, control and protect high voltage primary equipment. These upgrades are essential as existing equipment reaches the end of its technical service life.

Civil works commenced in August 2025 and will continue through to the end of the year. This includes earthworks, foundation construction, cable installation, and extensions to trenching and drainage systems.

New control buildings are now on-site progressing with site integration.

Following installation, the sites will undergo site acceptance testing, which is a rigorous process to confirm that all systems and equipment meet quality standards, operate safely and are fully functional. Commissioning is scheduled for late 2027.

The Sumner Substation was established in 2006 to meet the increasing electricity demand in the western suburbs of Brisbane. The protection and control equipment at the Sumner Substation is nearing the end of its technical service life and requires replacement.

As part of this work, Powerlink has trialled a new project delivery approach, successfully implementing an innovative in-situ replacement methodology – the first of its kind for Powerlink. This approach involved replacing individual protection relays and control equipment rather than entire control buildings or panels.

Early results show the in-situ methodology has delivered clear benefits, including shorter delivery timeframes, reduced capital costs and lower project risk. It also maximised the use of existing infrastructure and avoided the need for major civil works.

The project was completed in January 2026, on time and under budget.

Powerlink continues to work with Queensland Hydro (QH) to develop the transmission infrastructure essential for connecting the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project to the electricity grid.

Along the Borumba to Halys corridor work is underway to refine the 1km final corridor to a 70-metre easement alignment, supported by ongoing seasonal ecological surveys to understand environmental values and inform project design.

In December 2025, following a period of public consultation, the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) issued the guidelines for development of the public environment report (PER) for the project.

Powerlink will continue progressing its environmental assessments and prepare the PER in line with these guidelines. Once complete, the PER will be released for public comment. Powerlink has continued engagement with key stakeholders for the development of the project, including with Traditional Owners to deepen Powerlink’s understanding of the project area and discuss the management of cultural heritage values.

Project work will continue alongside the refreshed business case and commercial assessment, with outcomes expected in 2026.

Wambo Wind Farm is located near Jandowae. Powerlink was engaged by Stanwell and Cubico Sustainable Investments to connect the wind farm to the transmission network.

Construction of stage one commenced in June 2023 and was completed in 2025, delivering 252MW of clean energy generated by 42 turbines. Stage two commenced in 2024 and will add a further 41 turbines and 254MW of capacity, boosting the total generation to more than 500MW by the end of 2026.

To support stage two of the wind farm, Powerlink progressed with the expansion of the Diamondy Substation to facilitate an additional 250MW of energy into Powerlink’s transmission network, with works completed in March 2026.

Windlab has engaged Powerlink to investigate transmission line connection options for their proposed Bungaban Wind Farm.

Progress on the project continues. On 8 December 2025, Powerlink lodged a referral for the Bungaban Wind Farm Connection Project under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The public comment period for the referral closed on 19 January 2026.

In February 2026, the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) determined the project to be a ‘controlled action’, meaning it will require assessment by preliminary documentation (PD). This assessment examines the project’s potential impacts on protected matters and the measures proposed to manage them. Powerlink will work with DCCEEW to prepare the required PD, which will be released for public comment.

In April, Powerlink will undertake a Social Impact Assessment to understand how the project may affect the community and identify opportunities to maximise local benefits, informed by targeted interviews, community sessions, and a public survey.

Powerlink is delivering the transmission connection for Hyosung Group’s 100MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Tangkam, west of Toowoomba.

Powerlink’s work includes establishing a new 110kV feeder bay at Tangkam Substation and connecting the transmission line to customer‑owned infrastructure.

Design is underway, with construction expected to begin in Q3 2026. Powerlink’s works are scheduled for commissioning in May 2027.

Powerlink supported the connection of CleanCo’s 250MW Swanbank Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Swanbank Power Station.

The project included establishing a new 275kV bay at Blackstone Substation, reconstructing 1.2km of decommissioned transmission line for the BESS connection.

To navigate challenging terrain, including water crossings, roads and uneven ground, the project team used drone stringing technology in place of traditional helicopter methods, improving safety, reducing environmental impact and minimising vegetation clearing.

Construction has been completed, and the Swanbank BESS was successfully energised in October 2025.

Powerlink supported the connection of Stanwell’s 300MW BESS at Tarong Power Station.

Powerlink delivered the required transmission connection works, including a new underground 275kV feeder between Tarong Substation and the BESS, together with associated substation equipment, protection, control, metering and telecommunications systems.

Construction and installation are now complete, and the new connection was successfully commissioned in July 2025.