Pumped storage |
Major milestone for Borumba In a significant development for the Borumba Pumped
Storage Hydro Project, Queensland Hydro has unveiled two Request for Tenders (RFTs), marking a crucial phase in the exploratory works programme set to shape region’s renewable energy future. These tenders form an integral part of the broader
exploratory works aimed at gaining deeper insights into the surface geotechnical and groundwater conditions within the expansive footprint of the scheme.
As Leah McKenzie, Borumba Project Director, said:
Above: Once in commercial operation, the Amfilochia pumped storage complex in the Central Greece region will have a total installed capacity of 680MW (generation) and 730MW (pumping) with an estimated total production of approximately 816GWh per year.
and machine hall caverns, nestled approximately 800m underground at Lobs Hole in the Snowy Mountains. To date, approximately 17,000m3
of material have References
https://www.ornl.gov/news/new- method-monitors-grid-stability- hydropower-project-signals
been excavated from the central heading of the transformer hall cavern crown, employing a systematic advancement in 3-4m rounds from both ends of the cavern through a total of 77 blasts. Breakthrough of the machine hall cavern crown, along with the ongoing side slashing to widen both cavern crowns, will be next with excavation activities for both power station caverns scheduled to persist throughout 2024. As Snowy 2.0 Project Director Dave Evans said, such milestones are only possible with the whole team working together as one, whether they are subcontractors like Orica, the company managing underground blasting operations, or the lead contractor Future Generation and Snowy working so closely together.
Upon completion Snowy 2.0 will augment the
Below: Artistic impression of one of Suomen Voima’s proposed pumped storage reservoirs in the Kemijärvi region of Finland
existing Snowy Scheme by contributing an additional 2200MW of on-demand power and 160 hours of large-scale renewable energy storage to the National Electricity Market. “We are well on our way to delivering the largest single project that will help ensure Australia’s secure and reliable transition to renewable energy,” Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes stated. “The breakthrough of the transformer hall cavern crown is a really pleasing milestone for the Snowy 2.0 team, reinforcing that we’re making good progress with our underground drill and blast excavation activities. “
“These new packages are a major step forward in the exploratory works programme. Pumped hydro has a proven global track record and is key to achieving Queensland’s renewable energy targets. It provides advanced clean energy generation and clean energy storage sized for our growing state. The shift to renewable energy is now a ‘must-do,’ not a ‘might-do’,” she added. With tenders closing in February 2024, contract awards are scheduled for the second quarter of 2024.
New project in Finland Finland has announced plans to build up to three small-scale pumped storage hydropower plants in the northern part of the country to bolster its green transition and enhance energy balance. Suomen Voima announced details of this new €300 million energy storage venture called Noste, in the Kemijärvi region. While pumped storage production is relatively unfamiliar in Finland, there is a substantial demand for efficient energy storage solutions. Noste is anticipated to contribute 100-200MW of balancing power, providing a crucial element for Finland’s move towards sustainable energy infrastructure. The project aims to employ state-of-the-art
technology, with a paramount focus on designing pumped storage facilities that minimise their impact on the northern environment and landscape. Suomen Voima said it is committed to reducing any adverse effects on residential and recreational areas. The investment is also expected to spur positive developments in employment, tax revenues, and rental income during both the construction and operational phases. The first hydropower plant is slated to commence operations within the current decade. Negotiations with landowners have begun and Suomen Voima says it is committed to maintaining an open dialogue with residents, businesses, and other local stakeholders to ensure a seamless collaboration during the project preparation phase.
Indian MoU
India’s NHPC has sealed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL), Government of Gujarat, for a substantial investment in the 750MW Kuppa pumped storage hydropower project. Under the terms outlined in the MoU, NHPC commits to injecting an estimated Rs 4000 crores into the proposed project, strategically located at Chhota Udaipur in Gujarat. This collaboration aligns with the broader national vision of achieving 500GW of renewable energy by 2030 and attaining Net Zero by 2070.
12 | March 2024 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
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