CopperString 2.0 Announcement Major Win for North Queensland
7 March 2023: CopperString 2.0 Announcement Major Win for North Queensland
Community campaigning organisation Solar Citizens today celebrates the Queensland Government’s announcement that they will build the CopperString 2.0 transmission line and unlock a staggering 6,000MW of renewable energy resources.
“We’ve been campaigning for grid upgrades in north west Queensland for years now because the region has some of the country’s best co-located solar and wind resources that can be turned into abundant, cheap electricity for Queenslanders,” said Stephanie Gray, Deputy Director of Solar Citizens.
“The CopperString 2.0 transmission line will unlock North Queensland’s world-class renewable resources and provide cheap electricity to emerging manufacturing industries in Townsville and existing heavy industry in Mount Isa.
“Right now industries in Mount Isa are struggling because they have to rely on expensive gas-fired power. An injection of cheap and clean energy is just what the doctor ordered to ensure Queensland’s industry can remain globally competitive.
“Today’s announcement is a big win for the North Queensland community as well as industry. Unlocking 6,000 MW of new renewable capacity is the equivalent of doubling the existing large-scale solar and wind farms in Queensland.
“This flood of new renewable energy potential is just what the region needs to underpin proposed local renewable hydrogen, mineral processing and manufacturing projects.
“It’s also great to see the Queensland Government demonstrating their commitment to keeping energy assets in public hands. In other states we’re seeing privatised network companies making a mint from consumers.”
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Media contact: Stephanie Gray 0425543006
