| Construction
exploratory works will support the revised business case for the Borumba Project, with data collected able to support any future configuration. “Delivering major infrastructure projects requires meticulous planning to avoid unforeseen risks. One of the most effective strategies for achieving this is undertaking comprehensive exploratory works before finalising designs and commencing future main works construction activities.” Subject to state approvals, Queensland Hydro intends
to begin the exploratory programme in 2026. Irwin added that further approvals would be required if
the project proceeds to full construction. “In addition, and aligned to our commitments to local benefits, Queensland Hydro will be closely engaging with local suppliers and the community on the exploratory works program,” Irwin said.” The approval follows a public consultation process conducted in early 2025, during which submissions from stakeholders were considered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Conditions attached to the approval include limits on environmental disturbance, implementation of environmental management plans, land restoration requirements and compliance reporting obligations.
Vietnam’s Bac Ai project enters main construction phase
Further north in Southeast Asia, construction of Vietnam’s Bac Ai pumped storage hydropower project has also advanced ahead of schedule, enabling the development to transition into its main works phase earlier than planned. The 1200MW facility is being developed by Vietnam Electricity (EVN) in Bac Ai Tay Commune in Khanh Hoa Province and represents an investment of around VN$21.1 tn. Construction began in February 2025, with the project scheduled to commission its first generating unit in December 2029 and achieve full commercial operation by the end of 2030. Progress and priorities for the project were recently
reviewed at a coordination meeting chaired by EVN Vice President Pham Hong Phuong. The meeting brought together representatives from EVN’s Power Project Management Board No.3, the Power Engineering Consulting Joint Stock Company No.4, international consultant SSC and several major contractors. According to the project management board, most
preparatory and enabling works were successfully completed during 2025. Construction and operational access roads were connected across the site, while open excavations for major foundations were finalised. Excavation and initial support works for five adits were also completed in line with contractual schedules. Excavation and structural support for both the electrical cable tunnel and the ventilation tunnel reached full completion on 21 January 2025, exceeding the annual schedule. Earthworks for the planned 500kV switchyard platform also progressed rapidly, reaching 145,000m3 in 2025. This represents 144% of the annual target and about 90% of the total planned earthworks volume. Road construction packages VH1, VH2 and VH3A achieved between 96 and 98% completion of their designed earthwork volumes, with the VH1 package finishing roadbed excavation and embankment works entirely. Underground works, including operation, ventilation and drainage tunnels, exceeded quarterly production targets in several sections, reaching between
104 and 117 % of planned volumes. Procurement activities also advanced significantly. Of
the project’s 32 construction and equipment packages, 28 had been awarded by the end of 2025. Land acquisition and resettlement activities covering more than 106 hectares were completed, providing full access to the main construction areas. Total capital disbursement for 2025 reached approximately VN$434.4bn, exceeding the annual budget approved by EVN. Project managers confirmed that construction of the main underground powerhouse complex began on 22 January 2026, marking the official start of the project’s main works phase. From early 2026 onwards, construction teams will focus on critical-path activities as the project enters its peak construction period. Environmental and social compliance remains a priority. EVN aims to secure approval for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and the Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan by the end of March 2026, with international consultant SSC providing independent oversight of environmental, social, health and safety performance. When completed, the Bac Ai pumped storage plant is
expected to play an important role in stabilising Vietnam’s electricity system as renewable generation increases, providing peak-shaving capability, frequency regulation and reserve capacity for the grid.
Pumped storage momentum
builds globally Taken together, the recent milestones across China, Australia and Vietnam highlight the increasing momentum behind pumped storage hydropower as a cornerstone technology for energy system transformation. Large-scale storage projects are becoming essential for balancing intermittent renewable energy generation, providing grid stability and enabling deeper decarbonisation of electricity systems. While the projects vary widely in scale and geography
– from high-altitude cavern excavations in the mountains of western China to kilometre-deep tunnels beneath Australia’s Snowy Mountains – they share a common objective: delivering flexible, long-duration energy storage capable of supporting increasingly renewable power grids. As construction progresses on these flagship developments, pumped storage is poised to remain a central component of global energy infrastructure for decades to come.
www.waterpowermagazine.com | April 2026 | 33
Above: TBM Monica is the fourth TBM to be commissioned at Snowy 2.0
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