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events into the future and provide water security for years to come,” Butcher said. “Seqwater has already delivered 13 dam upgrades, and I am pleased to see works commencing on Somerset Dam soon as part of this important program of works in the region.” The enabling works will involve the removal of the spillway gates, the replacement of eight sluice gates, and the installation of a drainage curtain. Procurement is underway to manufacture modern, hydraulically operated sluice gates, with tenders received and manufacturing expected to start in 2025, pending contract awards and project approvals. Seqwater Interim CEO Will Harpham highlighted the need for these upgrades: “While dams in Queensland were built to very high, internationally accepted safety standards, Somerset Dam was built by 1959, and dam design and engineering standards have evolved significantly since then. Seqwater is pleased to be planning a range of early and enabling works to support future construction on the major dam upgrade planned at this site.” The project is expected to support around 150 jobs throughout its duration. A Detailed Business Case is being completed
to assess the preferred option for upgrading Somerset Dam. “The works are required to be completed irrespective of the final design option for the Somerset Dam Improvement Project, which is currently being considered as part of the Detailed Business Case stage,” Harpham added. “Subject to project approvals, the majority of the early and enabling works are expected to commence on-site in 2025, and Seqwater will continue to keep the community informed.”
Italy
Edison and Webuild partner on pumped storage projects Edison and Webuild have signed an agreement to develop pumped storage hydropower projects in southern Italy. The goal is to develop at least 500MW of pumped storage hydropower by 2030, boosting Italy’s energy autonomy and economic development. The partnership will focus on two pumped
storage projects in Pescopagano, Basilicata, and Villarosa, Sicily. These initiatives are part of Edison’s strategy to increase its installed green capacity from 2GW to 5GW by 2030. The projects will store excess renewable energy, ensuring the stability of the electrical grid and reducing waste. The projects will create new and improve
existing reservoirs, making them safer and increasing their capacity. They are pending approval from the Italian Environment and Energy Security Ministry and regional authorities, with plans to participate in upcoming tenders organized by Terna for new storage capacity. “Edison and Webuild are now back to develop the Italian hydroelectric supply
chain together. This agreement will create the foundations to safely build the energy transition, limiting Italy’s exposure to depending for critical raw materials, while relaunching the development of a highly strategic chain, where we stand as champions in Europe, with clear benefits for the Italian economic development and the increase of the renewable energy within the network, in line with the de-carbonisation goals,” said Edison CEO Nicola Monti. “The agreement with Edison aims at putting
together the skills of two private Italian groups, global leaders in the energy and infrastructure sector, contributing to the energy transition journey, and contrasting drought in Italy, particularly in the southern regions. Creating virtuous systems of skill and resources with the entire production chain is key to creating the infrastructure works needed by Italy to remain competitive. Webuild is therefore ready to put its premium know-how that it has acquired by building complex and innovative projects, globally, like the pumped hydroelectric plant of Snowy 2.0 in Australia,” added Webuild CEO Pietro Salini. The cooperation aims to optimize the pumped storage projects and attract significant private investment in southern Italy, estimated at €1.2 billion. This will benefit the local economy and the Italian civil and manufacturing sectors. The Italian hydroelectric sector, including pumped storage hydropower, plays a crucial role in energy autonomy and economic development. It generates 28 billion euros in turnover, with 15 billion from exports, and has a commercial balance of 8 billion euros, making it a key asset for Italy in the EU.
Scotland
ILI Group submits planning application for Balliemeanoch pumped storage project ILI Group has submitted a Section 36 planning application to the Scottish Government for the 1.5GW Balliemeanoch pumped storage project at Loch Awe. This initiative aims to enhance the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure, potentially powering 4.5 million homes and reducing carbon emissions by 200 million tonnes over its lifetime. The Balliemeanoch pumped storage project has a capacity of 1.5GW of power for up to 30 hours, producing 45,000 MWh. It will be located at Loch Awe in Dalmally, Argyll & Bute, Scotland, and will include a new headpond capable of holding 58 million cubic meters of water. The environmental impact is significant, with a projected reduction of over 200 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent over its lifetime. Economically, the project is expected to bring £1.5-2 billion in construction investment, create up to 1000 construction jobs at its peak, and generate many more indirect jobs across Scotland and the UK. The construction is projected to take five years, with the project expected to connect to the grid by 2031.
6 | September 2024 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com Mark Wilson, CEO of ILI Group, commented,
“The submission of the planning application for Balliemeanoch pumped storage marks another pivotal step in our commitment to enhancing the UK’s renewable energy capabilities. This comes on the heels of our recent sale to Statkraft for the Loch na Cathrach project (formerly known as Red John), which further validates the critical role of pumped storage hydro in our energy future. Long-duration energy storage projects like Balliemeanoch and Loch na Cathrach are essential for maintaining grid stability as we increase our reliance on renewable energy sources. “The recent UK Government’s consultation on long-duration energy storage underscores the need for a robust policy framework to support these projects. The proposed cap and floor investment framework will be crucial in overcoming investment barriers, ensuring that Scotland can deploy significant storage capacity to meet our net zero targets. “This project not only addresses climate change but also promises significant economic benefits. It will increase the country’s energy security and has the potential to reduce household energy bills.” Infrastructure consulting firm AECOM will serve as technical consultant to ILI Group for the Balliemeanoch pumped storage hydropower project.
Nepal IREDA to invest in 900MW hydropower project The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) has announced an investment of Rs. 290 crore in a 900MW hydroelectric power project in Nepal. This investment will give IREDA up to 10% shareholding in GMR Upper Karnali Hydro Power Limited, Nepal, and Karnali Transmission Company Pvt. Ltd., Nepal. The project, in collaboration with SJVN
Limited, aims to develop the 900MW Upper Karnali hydrolectric project in Nepal. It will proceed pending approval from the Government of India and other regulatory authorities. The Board of Directors of IREDA granted in-principle approval for the equity investment during a meeting this week. IREDA Chairman & Managing Director, Pradip Kumar Das, stated, “This strategic investment aligns with our commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure and fostering international collaboration in the sector. The 900MW project is a significant step towards harnessing hydropower potential in Nepal, contributing to regional energy security and sustainable development.”
GMR and the Nepal Electricity Authority,
Government of Nepal, are the existing shareholders in GMR Upper Karnali Hydro Power Limited, Nepal. The inclusion of IREDA and SJVN Limited in the project highlights strong regional collaboration aimed at
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