The pipeline of pumped hydro storage initiatives within the Australian state of Queensland continues to develop, with Victoria-based renewables firm BE Power asserting plans to construct an 800 MW/9.6 GWh undertaking at Mount Alma close to Gladstone.
From pv journal ESS News website
BE Power plans to construct the 800 MW Big G pumped hydro vitality storage undertaking with a 12-hour storage interval at full output. The estimated AUD 2.3 billion ($1.5 billion) undertaking will likely be constructed at Mount Alma, about 55 km southwest of Gladstone, central Queensland.
BE Power mentioned it selected the Big G undertaking website for its pure reservoirs. It added that the pure topography might enable for “extra environment friendly vitality storage and era, maximizing potential gravitational vitality with out the necessity for in depth infrastructure.”
BE Power says the long-term vitality storage undertaking might enhance vitality reliability within the Gladstone area and play a key function in accelerating the transition away from getting old baseload coal-fired energy crops. to renewable sources of electrical energy akin to photo voltaic and wind.
“It stands to strengthen the wants of the native grid, offering unparalleled help to the area’s vitality infrastructure,” mentioned the corporate, including that the undertaking might additionally present important financial advantages for the area. throughout the development and operation phases.
Construction is anticipated to start in late 2027, with business operations anticipated to start in early 2033.
BE Power, which can be creating the 400 MW/4 GWh Big T pumped hydro undertaking close to Toowoomba in southeast Queensland, mentioned the idea research and preliminary environmental evaluation for the Big G undertaking had been accomplished. Applications to acquire the mandatory permits and approvals have been made and an Initial Statement of Advice has been ready for submission to the Queensland Office of the Coordinator General.
The Big G proposal is one in every of a number of pumped hydro initiatives in Queensland’s pipeline, with the state authorities figuring out the expertise as central to its 10-year Energy and Jobs plan. The plan goals for 70% of the state to be powered by renewable vitality by 2032 and 80% by 2035.
State government-owned Queensland Hydro is creating two main initiatives – one within the Pioneer Valley close to Mackay in central Queensland and the opposite in Borumba close to Gympie. Key contracts for the 5 GW/120 GWh Pioneer-Burdekin undertaking have been awarded whereas the enterprise case for the 1 GW/24 GWh Borumba scheme has been signed by the federal government, and the environmental approval course of is ongoing.
Other initiatives within the pipeline embrace the proposed 2 GW/20 GWh Mount Rawdon pumped hydro undertaking being developed close to Bundaberg by Sydney-based firm Evolution Mining. The most superior of the initiatives is the 250 MW/2 GWh facility being constructed by Genex close to Kidston, about 270 km northwest of Townsville in north Queensland.
In its newest replace, Genex mentioned excavation works for the underground powerhouse have been accomplished and underground fit-out works have begun, with the ability scheduled to begin manufacturing in early 2025.
Queensland can be residence to the 570 MW Wivenhoe pumped hydro facility, which started operations in 1984.
This content material is protected by copyright and might not be reused. If you wish to cooperate with us and wish to reuse a few of our content material, please contact: [email protected].
