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Borumba Dam Pumped Hydro: detailed design and cost analysis

The Queensland Government is investing $22 million to investigate the potential to construct pumped hydro energy storage at Borumba Dam, located 70km south-west of Noosa in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

While Borumba Dam has been identified as a potential site for pumped hydro, further studies are required to progress the project.

Powerlink has been chosen to conduct a detailed cost and design analysis including engineering and design, hydrological modelling, geological testing, and assessment of environmental impacts. These studies will commence in the second half 2021 and will take around 24 months to complete, with final outcomes expected mid-to-late 2023.

Importance of pumped hydro in Queensland

The Australian Energy Market Operator has identified that Queensland will need significant energy storage as part of a diverse future energy system. Pumped hydro can provide dispatchable, reliable generation that complements renewables and will play an important role as Queensland progresses to 50 per cent renewables by 2030.

Site selection

Borumba Dam has been selected as the first site for detailed cost and design analysis following a state-wide assessment of potential pumped hydro locations. The site has been identified due to its proximity to the high-voltage transmission network, existing dam infrastructure, and location within the Southern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone (QREZ).

The Queensland Government has previously identified the site as a possible location for a pumped hydro facility and Powerlink has held the site since the 1980s.

Engagement

Assessment of environmental impacts will be undertaken as part of the analysis, and the Queensland Government will actively work with First Nations and Conservation Groups as well as the broader community to ensure appropriate protection of national parks and biodiversity.

Residents and community groups will also have the opportunity to provide feedback and input into what could also become a larger recreational and tourism hub.

Contact us

Please check this website for future updates on the Borumba Dam detailed cost and design analysis and how you can have your say. Or for further details, email contact.QRET@dnrme.qld.gov.au

Further information

Learn more about:

What is pumped hydro?

Pumped hydro is a tried and tested technology, accounting for 97% of energy storage worldwide in 2020. It can store a large amount of energy for long periods of time, making it the perfect back up for other renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

Pumped hydro energy storage is a closed water system that moves between two large reservoirs constructed at different heights.

To operate, a pumped hydro generator uses electricity from the grid or nearby renewables to pump water from the lower reservoir into the upper reservoir. To generate electricity, water is then released back into the lower reservoir through a turbine.

Last updated: 
10 June 2021