Energy storage | The initiation of the Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) procedures closely follows the unveiling of the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) by the New South Wales Government. The SEARs, outlining the parameters for the environmental evaluation, are available for public perusal. Mike de Vink, EnergyAustralia’s Lake Lyell Project
Director, said that a dedicated team of specialists will conduct exhaustive investigations over the course of the next year. The primary goal of these studies is to discern potential project impacts and devise suitable measures for their mitigation. The experts will actively engage in on-site
Above: Aerial view of recreational Lake Lyell near Lithgow in regional New New South Wales Australia. EnergyAustralia is carrying out technical and environmental studies for the proposed Lake Lyell pumped storage hydropower project
examinations, delving into areas encompassing biodiversity, aquatic ecology, preservation of Aboriginal heritage, societal consequences, water dynamics, climate effects, and more. The assessments will also encompass an evaluation of the project’s capacity to stimulate local economic growth and foster employment opportunities. Mr. de Vink underscored the scope of the investigations, which will span various times of day, seasons, and involve the tracking of transient and migratory animal species. The insights gained from these in-depth studies will guide the project team to ensure that project design and execution incorporate necessary considerations.
Emphasizing the significance of community
involvement, Mr. de Vink affirmed the commitment to sharing the EIS findings and actively soliciting input from the local community. He further highlighted the project’s responsiveness to community concerns by citing the recent adjustment of the project’s upper reservoir location in response to visibility apprehensions voiced by local residents. “We’re pleased to be making progress on the Lake
References
https://waterpowercanada.ca/ wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ stantec_ps_final_en.pdf
Lyell project,” he said. “Pumped hydro projects like this, together with large scale batteries, are what Australia needs to store the excess energy generated by renewables, as we move away from coal and towards a clean energy future.” The proposed Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Project, boasting a capacity of 335MW, is projected to supply ample energy to sustain over 150,000 households for a span of eight hours. Additionally, the construction phase is anticipated to create up to 600 employment opportunities. Anticipated around mid-2024, the presentation of final concept plans and the comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement will mark another milestone in the progression of the Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Project. In India, Tata Power has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra for the development of two large pumped storage projects with a combined capacity of 2800MW within the Indian state. The projects, set to be situated in Shirawata, Pune (1800MW) and Bhivpuri, Raigad (1000MW) districts, will represent one of Tata Power’s most significant pumped storage endeavors. With an estimated total investment of approximately Rs. 13000 Cr, these ventures are poised to play a pivotal role in Maharashtra’s drive towards a $1 Trillion economy by 2028, concurrently fostering employment opportunities for over 6,000 individuals. The signing ceremony of the MoU took place at
32 | October 2023 |
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Mantralya in Mumbai and witnessed the presence of dignitaries including the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis; Ms. Abha Shukla - Principal Secretary, Energy Department; Dr. Praveer Sinha - CEO & MD of Tata Power; Mr. Vijay Namjoshi - Chief-Generation, Tata Power; Mr. Prabhakar Kale - Chief-Hydros, Tata Power, alongside other distinguished guests. Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power, emphasized its significance, stating: “ The signing of this MoU is a major step forward in the Tata Power’s journey towards clean and green energy future. Pumped Hydro Storage is a reliable and efficient way to store energy, and these projects will support the renewable solar and wind projects to ensure reliable, 24/7 consistent power supply. This is a historic moment for both Maharashtra and Tata Power, and we are proud to be a part of this initiative.” The Western Ghats, with their natural topography and favourable geology, offer immense potential for pumped storage projects. Tata Power already operates three hydro power projects in the area, including the Khopoli Hydro Generating Station, Bhivpuri Hydro Generating Station, and Bhira Hydro Generating Station, which includes a 150MW pumped storage project. In September, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
(DEWA) marked a significant milestone as its pumped storage project in Hatta reached 74% completion. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, recently conducted a site visit to assess the progress of the ambitious venture. The plant is set to become the first of its kind in the
GCC region. With a planned production capacity of 250MW and a storage capacity of 1500MWh, the facility is expected to have a lifespan of up to 80 years. The total investment in the project amounts to AED 1.421 billion. Al Tayer’s inspection revealed that the project is on track for completion in the first quarter of 2025, aligning with DEWA’s commitment to meeting the vision and directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This initiative not only supports the development of Hatta but also addresses various social, economic, developmental, and environmental needs while creating innovative employment opportunities for Emiratis in the region. During his visit to the construction site, Al Tayer
received comprehensive updates on the project’s progress. Highlights included the installation of power generators, the ongoing construction of service and operational facilities, and the completion of the upper dam’s water intake structure and associated bridge. Notably, the main Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) wall of the upper dam, measuring 72min height, has been finished, with plans to commence filling the upper dam by the end of the year. Additionally, Al Tayer reviewed the advancements in the 1.2km-long water tunnel, which is currently being linked to the power generators. Al Tayer emphasized that the Hatta pumped storage
plant is a crucial component of DEWA’s commitment to achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. These strategies aim to provide 100% of Dubai’s total power production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.
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