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innovative lifting frame, will increase the dam’s resilience, health, and longevity, benefiting its spillway gate operations. Moreover, the lifting frame will be retained for future gate refurbishments at Coolmunda Dam. The project is projected to be completed by September 2023, depending on weather conditions. It is estimated that approximately $1.2 million will be spent locally on materials, accommodation, and food, further contributing to the regional economy. In addition to the maintenance works, the Coolmunda Dam catchment flood warning network is also undergoing upgrades to enhance forecast accuracy and provide more precise weather event data. The installation of new rainfall and river flow gauges in the upper catchment area at Waroo and along Treverton Creek is underway. Additionally, an existing river flow gauge at Artunga will be relocated further downstream of the Macintyre Brook. Following a flood event in December 2021,


collaborative discussions involving Sunwater, the Goondiwindi Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, and the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) underscored the need for improvements in the flood warning system. Mayor Lawrence Springborg AM of the Goondiwindi Regional Council highlighted the significance of these works in providing enhanced rainfall and river flow data during major rainfall events. He emphasized the importance of accurate real-time information for the LDMG, BoM, and Sunwater in forecasting and decision-making related to significant rainfall events. Sunwater will assume ownership of the gauges and share flood warning data with other stakeholders during emergencies.


Switzerland


Nant de Drance celebrates first year of operation


On July 1, 2023, the Nant de Drance pumped storage power plant marked its one-year anniversary of successful operation. With a capacity of 900MW, the plant has played a significant role in stabilizing the electricity grids in Switzerland and Europe, particularly in managing the intermittent nature of solar and wind power generation. Over the past year, the plant has demonstrated high reliability, allowing it to adapt to market fluctuations effectively. Since its commissioning on July 1, 2022, the Nant de Drance pumped storage power plant has operated reliably, exceeding expectations. The successful performance can be attributed to careful attention during the commissioning process of the complex and high-performance machines. The plant’s reliability enables it to respond quickly to changes in the electricity market. During periods of excess electricity, water is pumped from the lower reservoir, Emosson, to the upper reservoir, Vieux Emosson. Conversely, when electricity demand exceeds production, the stored water in the upper reservoir is released


8 | August 2023 | www.waterpowermagazine.com


through the turbines. These adjustments in electricity requirements impact market prices. Amédée Murisier, Chairman of the Nant de Drance Board of Directors, confirms that the plant is fulfilling its role in stabilizing the electricity grid and contributing to the security of electricity supply. Since its commissioning, the Nant de Drance


plant has generated approximately 950 GWh of electricity and pumped 1,170 GWh of water. These figures align with the projected 80% yield of the pumped storage cycles. Alain Sauthier, Director of Nant de Drance SA, said: “I’m delighted to see that the machines at Nant de Drance are being put to good use every day. Partners can take full advantage of the flexibility offered by the plant and optimise the power of the machines to suit their need.” The plant has been operating at full power since the activation of the Chamoson-Chippis extra-high voltage line on September 30, 2022. Nant de Drance said it remains committed


to implementing environmental compensation measures in collaboration with environmental organizations and authorities. Initiatives such as involving Salvan primary school in combating invasive plants and assessing compensation measures at various locations demonstrate the plant’s environmental responsibility.


Germany


Porr wins contract to build caverns and tunnel system for Forbach pumped storage plant Construction company Porr has secured a major contract for the construction of caverns and a tunnel system as part of the conversion of the Rudolf Fettweis Plant (RFW) in Forbach into a pumped storage power plant. EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, the project’s investor, is set to invest approximately €280 million in the conversion, with Porr being awarded Lot 2 “Civil works” worth €98.3 million. The heritage-protected Forbach run-of-river power plant, dating back to 1914, played a crucial role in electrification in the north of the Black Forest. Its conversion into a pumped storage power plant is expected to significantly improve its efficiency. Previously, water from the Schwarzenbach and Murg dams would flow into an equalization basin and then into the Murg after passing through the turbine wheels. However, the conversion plan includes the construction of an underground sub-basin, serving as an indirect power reservoir, allowing the water to be circulated as desired for electricity generation. Excited about the project, Thorsten Weiner,


Technical Division Manager at Porr Tunnelling Germany, acknowledged the inherent challenges of underground construction. “Even with 3D forecast modelling, BIM planning and exploratory drilling, underground construction work always remains challenging. Having an experienced team that can master these challenges with flying colours is essential. Taking a proactive role in the energy transition gives us additional motivation. It will be a


pleasure for us to work on delivering the Forbach pumped storage power plant,” he said. The construction is scheduled to commence in autumn 2023, with Lot 2 encompassing the construction of caverns, water reservoirs, and tunnels using the mining method. Additionally, Porr will be responsible for the shell construction of the power plant cavern, the construction of two pressure shafts, and foundation engineering work. Before the new power plant can go into operation in 2027, the Porr team will undertake the challenging task of blasting and excavating significant cavities and tunnels in the rock, estimated to yield around 450,000m3


of rock excavation material. The tunnel system within the project will have


a total length of 5200m, and approximately 510m of shafts will be constructed using the raise-boring method. The underground water reservoirs will have a combined volume of 200 million liters. The main tunnel alone will stretch 946m in length and have a cross-section of up to 71.72m2


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Additionally, the project involves the construction of six side tunnels, access tunnels, supply tunnels, and tunnels for energy transmission.


Australia Queensland Hydro opens first round of work packages for Borumba pumped storage project as geotechnical investigations commence Queensland Hydro has opened the first round of work packages for the highly anticipated $14 billion Borumba pumped hydro mega project. The project’s initial phase includes nine work packages covering underground works, geotechnical investigations, drilling, civil and construction, temporary accommodation, and site services. Concurrently, important geotechnical investigation works began on July 10, marking a significant milestone since the Queensland Government’s funding investment decision for the project. This field work represents the first major undertaking since the project received government backing. The company recently organized industry briefings to generate interest in the work packages, and the response has been highly positive. The briefings, held in Brisbane, Caloundra, and Gympie, attracted a combined total of over 750 attendees, with almost 450 people present in person and the rest participating online. Participants had the opportunity to hear directly from Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack and other senior members of the company’s team. The Borumba Pumped Hydro project aims to contribute to the transformation of Queensland’s energy system by providing clean, secure, and reliable energy. It is a 2000MW pumped storage facility located near Imbil, close to Lake Borumba. The project is expected to create around 2000 jobs during its development, offering significant employment opportunities for Queenslanders.


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