Pumped Hydro

Climate

Chart of the day: October delivers triple the typical rainfall for one state as El Niño builds
Queensland had an exceptionally wet October but national rainfall was also about twice the long-run norm for the month, BoM says.
Peter Hannam

Nov 2, 2026

0
Storage

LNP hits brakes on pumped hydro project, spooked by Snowy 2.0 cost blowout
Contracting for huge pumped hydro project has reportedly been suspended by the state treasurer and energy minister in light of cost blowouts of Snowy 2.0.
Sophie Vorrath

Oct 29, 2026

8
Policy & Planning

Snowy puts its hands out for government money, but hasn’t released business case to justify cost blowout
In previous resets, the government of the day and Snowy Hydro have touted the net present value of Snowy 2.0 – but not this time.
Peter Hannam

Oct 27, 2026

8
Policy & Planning

Snowy profits steady amid pumped hydro strains, while CEO Barnes sees his take-home benefits sink below $2 million
Snowy Hydro reports a modest uptake in profits in the year to June 2026 while the boss takes a benefits haircut for a second year in a row.
Peter Hannam

Oct 23, 2026

9
Commentary

“Reset 3.0” doesn’t answer the biggest questions about Snowy’s $25 billion-plus pumped hydro gamble
Engineering marvel or financial folly? We’ve been here before – a cost blowout and a delay to Snowy 2.0 – but is there a point of no return for this giant project?
Peter Hannam

Oct 23, 2026

14
Policy & Planning

“Very disappointing”: Snowy confirms pumped hydro costs double again to a possible $25bn, hit with more delays
The cost of Snowy 2.0 has doubled again, this time up to a potential $25 billion, with commissioning delayed by another year to the end of 2029.
Peter Hannam

Oct 22, 2026

20
Markets

One of Australia’s biggest pumped hydro projects cancelled due to “economic and timing challenges”
One of the largest pumped hydro schemes planned for Australia has been pulled by its developer due to rising costs and delays.
Peter Hannam

Oct 22, 2026

13
Storage

Snowy Hydro says long-awaited cost reveal is “imminent,” faces gas supply issues at new Kurri Kurri plant
Snowy Hydro says latest cost reveal of Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project is imminent, says gas availability a “challenge” at new Kurri Kurri plant.
Peter Hannam

Oct 14, 2026

8
Utilities

Still in the dark: Snowy Hydro’s awkward anniversary marked without promised review of Snowy 2 costings
The public remains largely in the dark about the full cost of the giant Snowy 2.0 project even as the clock ticks down on its supposed commencement by the end of 2028.
Peter Hannam

Oct 3, 2026

21
Storage

Snowy starts laying concrete foundations for massive turbines a kilometre underground
Construction of the “hydroelectric station the size of the Sydney Opera House” has started laying concrete foundations nearly 1 km underground, Snowy Hydro says.
Sophie Vorrath

Sep 26, 2026

8
People

Former Liberal leader appointed to Snowy Hydro board as market awaits another Snowy 2.0 reset
Former Liberal leader and ex AEMO system design boss appointed to Snowy Hydro board as market continues its 11-month wait for a budget reset of Snowy 2.0.
Peter Hannam

Sep 14, 2026

4
Pumped Hydro

New pumped hydro project seeks approval in New England, but already faces local opposition
Proposed pumped hydro project in New England plans 300 MW of capacity and 10 hours of storage, and already has a dedicated group set up to oppose it.
Rachel Williamson

Sep 8, 2026

7