Image: Seqwater
The Queensland Government has announced a $22 million investment for detailed design and cost analysis for a new pumped hydro facility at Borumba Dam, west of the Sunshine Coast.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the project had the potential to be the state’s largest pumped hydro station, powering an estimated 1.5 million homes.
Premier Palaszczuk said her government was “prioritising” Borumba because of its existing dam infrastructure, land access and location within the Southern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone.
“More pumped hydro means more long-term, reliable energy and jobs for Queenslanders,” the Premier said.
“Supporting investment in renewables is part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery from the global coronavirus pandemic.”
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said that the hydro dam marked an exciting step in the state’s renewable energy approach.
“Pumped hydro storage is flexible, reliable, and complements renewable energy generation such as solar and wind,” Dick said.
“That’s why Queensland needs more of it as we progress to 50 per cent renewables by 2030.”
The project will likely deliver around 1,000 Megawatts of power to the connected community.
Potential sites for the hydro project have been investigated since 2017, with Powerlink the selected company who will deliver the design and relevant consultation prior to the project’s construction.
Powerlink will also analyse the modelling of the initial project along with an assessment of the projects possible impact on the local ecosystem.
The business case is expected to take up 24 months with the submission expected in mid-2023.
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