News

BE Power launched its second Queensland pumped hydro project, called Big-G, to be located at Mount Alma, approximately 55km from Gladstone.

The Big-G Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) project has a planned generating capacity of 800 MW of hydroelectricity with 12 hours of storage duration at full output (9.6 GWh total storage).

BE Power said Big-G “represents a pioneering closed-loop pumped storage initiative set to revolutionize renewable energy storage capabilities” and it was one of the most cost-effective projects of its kind globally.

The design consists of “a complex of two valley dams and several saddle dams to form the upper reservoir, alongside a turkey-nest type dam for the lower reservoir, showcasing a unique approach to harnessing natural topography for energy storage”.

The underground power station complex will be equipped with four X 200 MW fixed-speed reversible Francis pump-turbine units.

Water will be managed through the Sunwater Awoonga – Callide Water Supply Scheme Pipeline, “ensuring an environmentally conscious approach to its substantial initial and operational water needs”.

The Concept Study and initial environmental assessment for the project have been completed, grid connection and water access applications made, and an Initial Advice Statement is being prepared for submission to the Queensland Office of the Coordinator General.

Located in renewable energy zone REZ6, BE Power is aiming to start construction of the project in late 2027 for a targeted start of commercial operations in Q2 2033.

BE Power is also developing the Big-T PHES project, located on Cressbrook Dam approximately 45km north-east of Toowoomba.

The project, being co-developed with GE Renewable Energy, has a planned generating capacity of up to 400 MW and the ability to provide up to 10 hours (4 GWh) of continuous energy generation.

In NSW, Upper Hunter Hydro (UHH) was awarded a development agreement by WaterNSW to explore pumped hydro energy projects in the Hunter Valley.

The agreement allows UHH “to investigate and design two Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) systems, with an opportunity for integrated wind energy, located on WaterNSW land at Glenbawn and Glennies Creek”.

Glenbawn Dam is 10km east of Scone, and Glennies Creek Dam is 28km north of Singleton. The Glenbawn scheme concept has a capacity of 770 MW for 10 hours storage duration (7.7 GWh), while the Glennies Creek concept is targeting a capacity of 620 MW and 10 hours duration (6.2 GWh).

If successfully developed, UHH estimates the combined projects could potentially create 1400 construction jobs, and 80 ongoing operations roles.

Upper Hunter Hydro was founded by former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy Turnbull. They are joined on the board by international hydropower expert Roger Gill, who is also chairman of TasNetworks and a non-executive director of Pacific Hydro (Australia).

Also in NSW, the Dungowan Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project was acquired by France-headquartered EDF Group from Mirus Energy and Energy Estate, which will continue their involvement as co-developers.

The proposed 300 MW / 3 GWh Dungowan PHES project is located downstream of the existing Dungowan dam, near Tamworth in the New England Renewable Energy Zone.

The project has been in development since 2014 and was awarded pre-investment studies funding by the NSW Government under the Emerging Energy Program in 2019.

Mark Waring, founder of Mirus Energy, said “We carefully selected the site for the Dungowan PHES so it could support the development of the wind and solar renewable energy resources in the New England region. It is strategically located between retiring coal capacity to the south and wind and solar capacity to the east, west and north. The project is located so it can connect to new transmission infrastructure being developed by EnergyCo or the existing transmission lines.”