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Saugeen Ojibway Nation. TC Energy is aiming for a final investment decision in 2024, with the anticipated in-service date being in the early 2030s, pending regulatory and corporate approvals.
“Ontario Pumped Storage will be a critical component of Ontario’s growing clean economy and will deliver significant benefits and savings to consumers,” said Corey Hessen, Executive Vice-President and President, TC Energy, Power and Energy Solutions. “Ontario continues to attract major investments that will have large power needs — many of which are seeking zero-emission energy before they invest. We are pleased the government is advancing efforts to recognize the significant role that long duration storage plays — firming resources will become increasingly valuable in supporting a future emission-free electricity system.” The Municipality of Meaford also expressed its support for the project, recognizing the positive impact it could have on the local economy and the overall electricity system of Ontario. Additionally, various stakeholders, including LiUNA OPDC, LiUNA Local 183, and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, lauded the potential for job creation, training opportunities, and resilient energy infrastructure. The timeline for Ontario Pumped Storage’s
progress includes a final analysis by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to confirm its role in Ontario’s electricity system, to be completed by 30 September 2023. Concurrently, the Ministry of Energy will engage in consultations on the potential regulation of the Project via the Ontario Energy Board, with a final determination scheduled for 30 November 2023.
Australia Genex Power secures $44.5 million funding for pumped storage and big battery projects with J-Power Partnership Genex Power has announced a significant funding deal aimed at advancing its flagship pumped hydro project at Kidston in Far North Queensland and accelerating the development of the Bulli Creek solar and battery project, which has a capacity of up to 2GW. The funding package, amounting to $44.5 million, was unveiled on 7 July in collaboration with J-Power, a Japanese utilities giant that has been working with Genex on the Kidston Clean Energy Hub since 2020. J-Power had previously committed $25 million for the K2-Hydro project. This time, J-Power has agreed to provide a loan facility of $35 million as an additional standby source of funding for the pumped hydro project, which features a storage capacity of 250MW and eight hours (2,000MWh) of storage. The purpose of this funding is to ensure that the project stays on track for energization by 2024. Although the hope is that the standby funds will not be required, Genex has expressed the need for a “significant buffer” following a drilling
incident in September 2022, which caused a water ingress and resulted in modest delays to the project. Genex CEO James Harding stated that while the costs of the incident had been covered, it was essential to secure additional funding against any unforeseen events that may occur during the remainder of the construction program.
In addition to the loan facility, J-Power will establish a joint development fund for Genex’s Bulli Creek project, which comprises up to 2GW of battery storage and solar capacity in Queensland’s Toowoomba region. The initial plan is to construct a 400MW battery with two hours of storage. Under the joint development agreement, J-Power will acquire a 50% interest in Bulli Creek through upfront acquisition funding of $2.5 million. An additional $6 million will be provided for third-party development costs, along with $1 million to cover early project expenses. Ongoing third-party development costs will be shared equally between both companies, extending the strategic partnership established during the co-development of the 258MW Kidston Stage 3 wind project. The loan facility and joint development
agreement are secured against Genex’s equity interests in Bulli Creek and the Kidston wind farm. Genex CEO James Harding emphasized that this funding would play a vital role in expanding the company’s renewable energy portfolio in Australia. He also noted that the loan facility would provide a significant buffer for completing the Kidston pumped hydro project, while the joint development agreement for the Bulli Creek project would expedite development activities and signify the next phase of the company’s growth.
US Tetra Tech awarded $34 million contract by USACE for infrastructure services Consulting and engineering services provider Tetra Tech, Inc has recently secured a significant contract from the US. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District. The contract, valued at $34 million, requires Tetra Tech to provide architectural and engineering (A-E) design services for various civil works infrastructure projects, including flood risk management, inland navigation, hydroelectric power generation, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. Over the next seven years, Tetra Tech’s team of engineers and scientists will be responsible for advanced computer modeling and the development of plans and specifications for navigation and water control structures such as dams, spillways, channels, and navigation lock features.
Additionally, Tetra Tech aims to optimize
water resources infrastructure design to facilitate migratory fish passage and the restoration of vital ecosystems. To achieve these
6 | September 2023 |
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goals, the company will rely on the expertise of its engineers and fisheries biologists. “The USACE Walla Walla District has been
providing sustainably designed hydropower generation and flood risk management for 75 years,” said Dan Batrack, Tetra Tech Chairman and CEO. “We look forward to using our Leading with Science® approach to design innovative solutions that continue to improve critical water resources infrastructure, protect aquatic life, and restore the surrounding riverine environment.”
Nepal SMEC to provide key support for Super Trishuli hydroelectric project
Engineering and consulting firm SMEC has been engaged by CE Construction Pvt. Ltd. to provide hydraulic, geotechnical, and structural design, and construction drawing services for the Super Trishuli Hydroelectric Project in Nepal. The project, strategically located on the
Trishuli River in the Chitwan, Gorkha, and Dhading districts of the Central Development Region, aims to alleviate the acute energy crisis faced by the nation. It is envisioned as a run-of-river scheme with a dam toe powerhouse arrangement and diurnal pondage, specifically designed to cater to energy demand during two distinct peak hours. Upon completion, the hydroelectric plant is projected to generate 100.5MW, harnessing the potential of the Trishuli River and the barrage structure’s rated head of 14.1. This is expected to result in an annual energy output of 498 million units. MEC’s involvement builds upon the feasibility study and detailed project report previously prepared by SNC-Lavalin Engineering India Pvt Ltd. SMEC will act as the design consultant to the EPC Contractor, CE Construction. The estimated timeline for the construction phase is approximately four years.
Australia
Snowy 2.0 project update: TBM Lady Eileen progresses in tunnel excavation In a significant achievement for Snowy Hydro and its Snowy 2.0 project, a major milestone was reached in July as one of the project’s three tunnel boring machines (TBM) marked its progress. TBM Lady Eileen Hudson crossed a pivotal milestone by commencing its second tunnel excavation after successfully completing the first phase.
TBM Lady Eileen’s mission entails the
excavation of a 6km tailrace tunnel that will connect the Talbingo Reservoir to an underground power station complex. This tunnel will play a crucial role in facilitating the flow of water for power generation, with the Snowy 2.0 project aimed at producing 2000MW of power. After completing the 2.8km main access tunnel (MAT) in 2022, it has been a big task to
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