WaterNSW shortlists 3 more sites for pumped hydro

WaterNSW announced the locations today following pre-feasibility studies to identify which of WaterNSW’s 41 dams across the State are best suited for further investigation by potential developers.

Sites were shortlisted following studies into terrain, geotechnical conditions, environmental factors and grid connectivity.

“This announcement is an important milestone in identifying new sites at WaterNSW dams that could host more privately developed long-duration pumped hydro projects to support the State’s renewable energy transition,” WaterNSW Head of Major Projects, Mark Roberts, said.

“It’s important to note the sites at Blowering, Burrendong and Hume dams have not been confirmed for development and more detailed studies are needed to confirm their potential viability.

“A small number of additional sites may be also added, once further pre-feasibility studies have been completed later this year,” Mark said.

In coming months, WaterNSW will carry out the next stage of on-site studies at each of the three shortlisted sites – including geological surveys, environmental and cultural heritage checks, mapping, and discussions with local landholders.

The outcomes of the pre-feasibility studies will help determine whether any sites should proceed to a commercial tender process to select a project developer.

Any future development would require environmental studies, ongoing community consultation and formal government planning approvals.

This work forms part of WaterNSW’s broader commitment to supporting the NSW Government’s renewable energy and emissions reduction targets. It will also help diversify regional economies, grow jobs, support local communities, and generate revenue to put downward pressure on water costs for customers.

The Long Duration Storage Program builds on the success of WaterNSW’s existing Renewable Energy and Storage Program, which includes projects being developed in the Hunter Valley, at Burrendong Dam in the Central West, and at Lake Burragorang in Western Sydney.

Together, with projects already underway on WaterNSW land as part of the Renewable Energy and Storage Program, these new sites could help us bring up to 5.2 GW of additional pumped hydro energy storage to the NSW market by 2034.

One of these existing projects – ACEN Australia’s Phoenix Pumped Hydro at Burrendong Dam – has since been awarded a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) Scheme under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, a big step for the project to become part of the state’s power grid in the future.

WaterNSW’s renewable energy and storage initiatives support for the NSW Government’s renewable energy objectives as outlined in the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020.

Any projects that are developed will be owned and funded by the private sector, not WaterNSW or the NSW Government. All land would continue to be owned by WaterNSW, and any development would not affect water entitlements to customers or water security for communities and the environment.

WaterNSW will also hold community drop-in sessions near the newly shortlisted sites to share information and hear local views.