SAP & Powerlink Queensland launch collaboration for digital overhaul

SAP, a business software company, has announced a new collaboration with Powerlink Queensland, a high-voltage electricity service provider in Australia. The joint effort aims to streamline the digitisation and automation of Powerlink Queensland's operations.

The partnership forms an integral part of Powerlink's core duty to overhaul Queensland's energy sector to deliver affordable, reliable, and clean energy. This endeavour involves a multi-year, comprehensive digital transformation, leveraging SAP's industry-leading tools, particularly the SAP Sustainability Control Tower. The latter will allow Powerlink to meticulously monitor data and sustainability objectives linked to Queensland's climate goals and the Australian legislative reporting requisites. This system will facilitate the transition to low-carbon operational processes.

Powerlink Queensland is known for offering top-tier high-voltage power transmission network services. The network spans 1,700 kilometres (km), extending from Cairns to the New South Wales border, and comprises 15,345 circuit km of transmission lines and 147 substations. As part of the Queensland Government's Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, Powerlink is committed to transforming this energy network.

The general manager of Business IT & Digital Delivery at Powerlink, Mark Pozdena, explained, "Powerlink is dedicated to connecting Queenslanders to an exceptional energy future. As our firm evolves to achieve this, the technology we employ on a daily basis needs to adapt accordingly, including the tools that help us understand our company and responsibilities."

Towards late 2024, Powerlink aims to incorporate SAP SuccessFactors to streamline the process of recruitment, hiring, training, and development of its workforce, aligning with the changing business needs.

The importance of this partnership shines amid the Australian Government's commitment to guarantee more transparency in climate-related developments and opportunities for large-scale corporations. The government advocates for compulsory climate-related financial reporting to be publicly accessible. Leigh Pickering, the executive general manager of People & Corporate Services at Powerlink, expressed that implementing the SAP Sustainability Control Tower will enhance the precision and traceability of critical climate change reporting. This enables Powerlink to uphold its reporting obligations to the government more effectively.

Angela Colantuono, President and Managing Director of SAP Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the significance of technology in fostering intelligent and sustainable enterprises. She alluded to SAP's role in crafting a clean energy future by empowering Powerlink employees with efficient tools and robust data. SAP provides the basis for Powerlink to establish the necessary digital infrastructure for this transition.

Powerlink plans to continue building up its competencies in the SAP Sustainability Control Tower, to promote greater accountability and traceability in its supply chain, keeping its climate objectives in sharp focus. The digitisation of its systems marks an innovative stride in Powerlink's commitment to a cleaner energy future in Queensland.