UHH is an Australian private sector developer with directors including Malcolm Turnbull and international hydropower expert, Roger Gill.
The projects are currently in the early investigation stages. While the time for planning assessment for large infrastructure projects such as pumped hydro can vary, UHH is seeking to have the projects ready for construction in approximately four years, with the projects operational in the early 2030s.
Should the projects proceed to construction, they are expected to deliver approximately 1,400 construction jobs and 80 ongoing operations jobs.
The projects will not impact the operations of Glenbawn or Glennies Creek dams or the security of downstream entitlements.
For more information on the Upper Hunter Hydro projects visit www.upperhunterhydro.com.au
Frequently asked questions
What are the Upper Hunter Hydro projects?
Upper Hunter Hydro (UHH) is proposing two large pumped hydro projects, with the opportunity for integrated wind energy, at WaterNSW’s Glenbawn and Glennies Creek reservoirs in the Upper Hunter.
Each site would comprise a pumped hydro energy storage project and potentially a co-located wind development.
The pumped hydro projects would comprise a purpose-built upper reservoir connected to WaterNSW’s reservoir, as the lower reservoir, through underground tunnels and power station. The projects would pump water to the upper reservoir during periods of excess energy in the market and release water down through the power station to generate electricity when needed by the market.
The projects would essentially function as a large natural battery, using water to store and generate energy. Electricity storage projects such as this are critical to support solar and wind power as old coal fired power stations close in coming years.
Who will own the projects?
The projects are being developed by Upper Hunter Hydro (UHH), an Australian private sector renewable energy developer.
What benefits will the projects deliver?
- Long duration storage is critical to support the State’s transition to a clean, affordable and secure energy supply.
- Should the projects proceed, they will support regional development through approximately 1,400 construction jobs and 80 ongoing operational jobs.
Is UHH developing wind farms as well as pumped hydro?
In addition to the pumped hydro projects, UHH will also investigate the viability of co-located wind farms as part of an integrated energy project. UHH is at the very initial stages of their investigations.
Are the projects located in a Renewable Energy Zone?
The proposed projects would be located within the Hunter - Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone. If constructed, the pumped hydro projects will provide significant long-duration storage and support renewables development in this region.
When will work on the projects commence if approved?
The projects are currently in the early investigation stages to determine feasibility. While the time required for the planning assessment process for large infrastructure projects such as pumped hydro can vary, UHH is seeking to have the projects ready for construction in approximately 4 years, with the projects operational in the early 2030s.
How is WaterNSW involved?
WaterNSW has granted UHH the right to access areas of WaterNSW land to undertake investigative studies and support planning assessment of the projects. WaterNSW is not contributing funding for the projects.
The UHH projects were selected by WaterNSW through a competitive tender process. The UHH projects are the second projects to be announced under the program following the announcement of ACEN Australia’s proposed Burrendong pumped hydro project.
The agreement with UHH requires them to work closely with WaterNSW as the projects progress. The projects will be subject to planning assessment similar to any other project.
Why is WaterNSW considering a renewable energy project like UHH on its land and assets?
As a State-owned organisation, WaterNSW sees the renewable energy projects as a opportunity to work with the NSW Government to help achieves its energy and emissions objectives, including those set out in the NSW Government Electricity Strategy and Net Zero Plan.
How does pumped hydro work?
Pumped hydro is a common, efficient, and globally used technology for long-duration energy storage. It works like a large natural battery, using water to store and generate energy.
When there is surplus electricity available from solar and wind, water is pumped uphill from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir. This water is then released to generate electricity via a turbine during periods of high demand, like dinner or breakfast time.
Pumped hydro is well suited to long-duration storage, making energy available in just minutes and generating it for extended periods. With a lifespan of 70-100 years pumped hydro assets have a long life and low operating costs. Comparatively batteries are better suited for shorter periods of storage and generation and have higher operating costs with relatively short asset lives.
There are many operating examples of pumped hydro projects in Australia and around the world used for water supply and electricity, including the Shoalhaven Scheme in southern NSW.
Will the water required for the projects affect the amount of water available for irrigation or as drinking water? What about in times of drought or flood?
The projects will not impact the security of downstream entitlements or WaterNSW operation of Glenbawn or Glennies Creek dams. This is largely a function of the relatively small volume of the project’s upper reservoirs and that the water is cycled between the upper and lower reservoirs, resulting in minimal losses.
UHH is designing the projects to tolerate periods of drought. The projects will not impact on WaterNSW's operation of Glenbawn or Glennies Creek dams during flood events.
How will nearby recreational areas be considered?
WaterNSW and Upper Hunter Hydro recognise Glenbawn and Glennies Creek reservoirs have a range of recreational facilities enjoyed by the wider community, including individuals and user groups.
As part of the project’s approval process, Upper Hunter Hydro will be required to consult closely with the community, stakeholders and Council to better understand how these areas are used and address or manage any concerns about impacts to the recreational areas. The community will have the opportunity to write a formal submission as part of the consultation process.
Construction will be subject to securing all necessary approvals.
WaterNSW acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we work and pay our respects to all elders past, present and emerging. Learn more