Image: Warragamba Dam. Wikimedia Commons
by CHRISTINE LAI
Zen Energy, in collaboration with WaterNSW, has proposed constructing a large-scale pumped-hydro scheme on Sydney’s south-western fringe.
The $4 billion Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project could serve as a sufficient renewable energy source to power nearly a third of the city’s households by 2031.
The 1GW initiative will repurpose former coal industry land in New South Wales to provide up to eight hours of “firmed” renewable energy to the state’s grid, aligning with its transition away from fossil fuels.
The project will pump water through predominantly underground tunnels from Lake Burragorang to a reservoir established within an old coal washing pit, operational until as recently as 2001. The water pumped through the tunnels is equivalent to 4000 Olympic swimming pools.
During peak demand, the stored water would be released to generate electricity.
Zen’s Debut in Brownfield Renewable Energy Development
This marks Zen’s first venture into brownfield renewable energy development, diverging from its usual practice of sourcing renewables from external developers.
Zen CEO Anthony Garnaut emphasised the company’s firm belief in the importance of pumped hydro as a component of the renewable energy mix, as ageing coal plants are phased out.
“Western Sydney Pumped Hydro marks Zen’s entry into renewable energy development in New South Wales. This is a key milestone for us as we grow and envision a 1.5-degree world for all,” he said on Wednesday.
“Large-scale energy storage projects like Western Sydney Pumped Hydro are key to keeping the lights on and energy prices in check in NSW as our coal-fired power stations age and retire over the next decade”, he added.
Initial studies conducted by the company indicate that the project would not adversely affect water quality or levels, with no anticipated flooding of the shoreline or surrounding natural environment.
The company is also exploring five or six additional projects in Queensland and NSW. If realised, the project could generate up to 1,500 construction jobs and 80 ongoing operational positions.
Contrasting Giants: Western Sydney Pumped Hydro vs. Snowy 2.0
The Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project is half the size of Snowy 2.0, the largest current committed renewable energy project in Australia.
Snowy 2.0 aims to facilitate a secure transition to a low-carbon emissions future while offering consumers the most cost-effective solution. The Snowy 2.0 project involves connecting two existing dams, Tantangara and Talbingo, via 27km of tunnels and constructing a new underground power station.
Zen plans to employ its pumped hydro project to store excess rooftop solar energy produced during the day and redistribute it during morning and evening peaks, easing the strain on the state’s coal plants.
Zen targets completing the Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project for $3 billion, a quarter of Snowy 2.0’s current estimated cost of $12 billion.
WaterNSW’s CEO, Andrew George, emphasised that while the primary goal is building a sustainable future, the priority is safeguarding the catchment health and the drinking water supply from Warragamba Dam.
“This is an opportunity to not only assist the transition to a renewable energy power grid, but also to create jobs, support the local community, and generate revenue to put downward pressure on water bills,” George said.
