Development at existing sites |
Habitat restoration and conservation programs Investment in research on local ecosystems Adoption of best practices in sustainable construction
Above: Local companies have been awarded drilling contracts for the project
Paul Gleeson, Managing Director, Energy – Australia at Aurecon, emphasized the critical role of pumped hydro storage: “Highly reliable long-duration pumped hydro storage plays a critical role in stabilising an electricity grid that has high levels of renewable energy. It complements the typically shorter duration storage provided by utility-scale batteries, allowing stored energy to be released into our electricity grid when needed.”
Technical specifications The project will see a new upper reservoir built,
as well as a new dam wall to replace the existing Borumba Dam wall. This will increase Lake Borumba’s storage capacity from 46 to 224 gigalitres, providing a substantial boost to the region’s energy storage capabilities. Total capacity: 2000MW Storage duration: Up to 24 hours Upper reservoir capacity: Approximately 178 gigalitres
Lower reservoir (Lake Borumba) capacity: 224 gigalitres Height difference between reservoirs: Approximately 600m Number of turbines: To be determined in final design phase Transmission infrastructure: New high-voltage lines to connect to the grid
These specifications place the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project among the largest and most advanced PHES facilities globally, showcasing Australia’s commitment to world-class renewable energy infrastructure.
Integration with Queensland’s energy
Geotechnical drilling Three south-east Queensland companies have been appointed by Queensland Hydro to undertake essential surface-level geotechnical drilling for the project. GeoDrill Australia from Chevallum, Tier 1 Drilling from Morayfield and SJ Drilling from Jimboomba were successful in their tenders to provide a combined $25 million worth of drilling. The drilling is subject to Queensland Hydro receiving necessary regulatory approvals for the works. Queensland Hydro Chief Executive Officer Kieran Cusack said it is pleasing local companies can benefit from their involvement in pumped hydro while Queensland Hydro will benefit from their local expertise. “Pumped hydro is unquestionably the right technology to enable Queensland’s clean energy transition. Our proposed projects offer real opportunities for local businesses to use their experience and capability to assist us in building these generational assets,” Cusack said. “This is a two-year program of work, which provides local companies with certainty and surety and keeps economic benefits flowing into the region. “While some companies may never have worked on pumped hydro or a
renewable energy project before, their skills and expertise are transferrable, and they can positively contribute to the ongoing development of these projects.” Thomas Partleton, Managing Director from GeoDrill Australia & GD Water Solutions, said the comapny is thrilled to be part of the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project as it represents a significant opportunity to further develop their capabilities in renewable energy. “This project will not only grow our team by 30 new members but also contribute
to the local economy and the clean energy transition. Our expertise in geotechnical drilling aligns perfectly with the needs of this project, and we’re eager to support Queensland’s shift towards a sustainable energy future.” Tyson Meyers, Managing Director from Tier 1 Drilling Australia said: “Tier 1 Drilling Australia is excited to be a part of the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project working toward building a cleaner future. Our experience and expertise in the drilling industry will mutually benefit the project success as well as benefit our company supporting the local community.” Julian Irons, Director from SJ Drilling added: “Having completed several
previous drilling campaigns for the Borumba Project, we are pleased to be selected to continue our involvement in this exciting and challenging project. “Long term work gives stability for our company, and we believe the project will
provide both local benefit and long-term power supply security. The support and hospitality of local residents has been great, and we look forward to ongoing work in the area.”
grid The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project will play a pivotal role in Queensland’s future energy grid. Its ability to provide long-duration storage will complement other renewable energy sources and help manage peak demand periods. The project will contribute to grid stability by: Providing fast-response power during peak demand Absorbing excess renewable energy during low demand periods Offering frequency control and ancillary services Reducing the need for gas-fired peaker plants Enabling Higher Renewable Energy Penetration
By providing a reliable storage solution, the project will enable Queensland to increase its reliance on variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This will be crucial for meeting the state’s 80% renewable energy target by 2035. The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project represents a significant step forward in Australia’s renewable energy journey. By combining local expertise with global experience, Queensland is positioning itself at the forefront of clean energy innovation. As the project progresses, it promises to deliver not only a reliable and sustainable energy source but also substantial economic benefits to the region. Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack summed up the project’s potential: “Pumped hydro is unquestionably the right technology to enable Queensland’s clean energy transition. We’re delighted to be partnering with Australian and international experts with proven global experience that will be used to deliver the Borumba Project.” As the hydropower industry watches with keen
interest, the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is set to become a benchmark for large-scale renewable energy storage solutions, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for Queensland and Australia as a whole. Its success will not only contribute to Australia’s energy security but also serve as a model for other countries grappling with the challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The project’s ambitious scale, innovative design, and commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship make it a true game- changer in the global fight against climate change. As it moves from planning to reality, the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, expertise, and determination come together in pursuit of a sustainable energy future.
38 | October 2024 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
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