Qld opens first SuperGrid for energy workers

The Queensland Government has announced the opening of its first SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub in Gladstone — a facility dedicated to the upskilling of energy workers. The hub is currently located at an interim site while Powerlink finalises the acquisition of a permanent site, with construction expected to commence for the long-term facility in 2024.

The hub has been set up in the Central Queensland Renewable Energy Zone (QREZ) and is well located to assist with delivering a number of regional future transmission projects.

The opening of the hub will enable Powerlink to significantly strengthen its regional presence and will allow for energy workers to be upskilled in a range of areas each year, including high-voltage technical training.

“We are delighted to have Queensland’s first hub located in Gladstone, which will provide a significant boost for local employment and training opportunities — with more than 90 jobs expected to be based at the facility over the next 10 years,” said Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher.

“This investment demonstrates the Palaszczuk government’s commitment to providing tangible and practical job opportunities for our local people — including apprentices — as we gear up to expand the skills and resources available to deliver the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan,” Butcher said.

Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said that building the SuperGrid was key to unlocking 100,000 new jobs in energy generation, green hydrogen, critical minerals mining and battery manufacturing.

“It’s facilities like these which bring the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan to life, setting a clear path to deliver the clean, reliable and affordable energy of the future while delivering on our renewable energy targets,” De Brenni said.

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