Featured Project
CopperString 2032
$10 Billion Energy Transmission Infrastructure
$10 Billion Energy Transmission Infrastructure
Our comprehensive engagement covered every critical aspect of cost and risk management for the CopperString project.
Category 4 estimate across all project elements including transmission lines, substations, access infrastructure, and environmental management works.
Assessment of construction methodology across remote and challenging terrain, including logistics, access, and environmental constraints.
Development of construction schedules and sequencing strategies for multi-stage delivery across 840+ kilometres of transmission corridor.
Comprehensive risk register development, quantitative analysis using @Risk, and development of risk mitigation and contingency strategies.
Independent commercial assurance including procurement strategy review, contract packaging, and market engagement considerations.
Third-party verification providing Powerlink Queensland with confidence in project cost and risk profiles for this critical state investment.
Connecting North Queensland's energy future through 840+ kilometres of high-voltage transmission infrastructure.
CopperString 2032 is one of Australia's most significant energy infrastructure projects. The transmission line will connect Queensland's North West Minerals Province with the National Electricity Market (NEM), running from just south of Townsville through to Mount Isa. The project will unlock an estimated 6 GW of renewable energy capacity while supporting critical mineral mining and processing in the region.
The project comprises a 330 kV transmission line from Reid River (south of Townsville) to Hughenden, a 330 kV line from Hughenden to Cloncurry, and a 220 kV line from Cloncurry to Mount Isa. The Eastern Link alone spans approximately 350 kilometres and will support a transfer capacity of 1.7 GW with 2.9 GW hosting capacity to meet projected energy demands.
The Queensland Government committed a record $2.4 billion to CopperString in the 2025-26 State Budget, a $1.4 billion increase from the previous allocation. The project was acquired by the state in 2023 for approximately $5 billion, recognising its strategic importance to Queensland's energy transition and economic development in the north.
The $225 million Flinders Substation received Ministerial Infrastructure Designation approval in December 2025, with construction works commencing in 2025-26. The Hughenden Workforce Accommodation Facility was completed in November 2025. The Eastern Link is targeted for completion by 2032, subject to planning and environmental approvals being finalised by 2028.
Cenex delivers independent cost estimating and risk management for Australia's most complex energy and infrastructure projects.