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From time to time, communities can be impacted by a significant investment or event that changes the focus or direction for the next generation.
In 2022, North Queensland will experience several private sector projects that will be catalytic, enabling further major investment, particularly in new industries.
This network line optimises existing and new major enterprises in North Queensland by reducing the cost of energy, and allowing enhancement of the grid resilience. The more affordable and reliable energy is:
Two dominant catalytic projects for the region are:
• the more attractive it will likely be for major investors to finance major new projects, and • current operating industry becomes more sustainable.
COPPERSTRING 2.0 A 1,000 km high voltage network line starting near Woodstock, that allows Mount Isa and Cloncurry to connect with the national grid. The line is a game changer for nearly every industry between Townsville and the Northern Territory border. ARK ENERGY’S GREEN HYDROGEN EXPORT FACILITY Ark Energy’s initial, but innovative steps toward a Green Hydrogen export facility in Townsville, comprise moving to 5 zero emission hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles, which can be refuelled at Sun Metals refinery, from December 2021.
Why? Why are these projects so significant insofar as the way that North Queensland industry may work over the next decade? Let’s start with Copperstring 2.0.
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The really exciting add on to Copperstring 2.0 is its ability to carry high-capacity fibre optic cable, to strengthen communications services across the Townsville to Mount Isa corridor. Further, the network line encourages investment in very innovative renewable energy projects, particularly north of Hughenden where the capacity for both solar and wind energy is second to none in Australia. This project is a genuine enabler of new industry, driven by the aspirational goals for North Queensland that its key people, John and Joseph O’Brien maintain, so we can be confident that where new projects can link in, Copperstring 2.0 will be keen. The first steps in the Ark Energy Green Hydrogen initiative are exciting because they are likely to be so visible. Commercial Vehicles between the Townsville Port and the Sun Metals Refinery has been operating from December and allow a very transparent measure for Townsville to observe.
