Huge 2 gigawatt, 20 GWh pumped hydro proposal wins state government backing

Queensland electricity generator CleanCo has welcomed the state government’s decision to invest $50 million into its proposed Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro project, a 2GW/20GWh which could enable nearly 6GW of additional renewable generation capacity.

While the investment decision was announced as part of a larger five-year energy plan enacted by the newly elected state Liberal National government – which will prop up some of Queensland’s coal plants and invest in new gas power – the commitment to support the Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro project is a small silver lining.

Set to be built at a former working gold mine owned and operated by Australian gold mining company Evolution Mining west of Bundaberg, the proposed Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro project would be capable of storing up to 20GWh of renewable energy, enough to supply some two million homes daily.

CleanCo, a state-owned electricity generator focused on clean energy solutions, will work with Evolution Mining and leading advisory firm ICA Partners.

If the project is completed, it would be capable of completing a full cycle within a 24-hour period – consisting of a 10-hour generation period followed by 14-hours of pumping. The pumped hydro facility would be capable of operating 24-hours a day, seven days per week, and match the timing of its pumping and generation to electricity demand and market conditions.

“We welcome the Queensland Government’s support and vision in backing practical, deliverable clean energy projects like this one,” said Tom Metcalfe, CleanCo CEO.

“CleanCo is a passionate advocate for long-duration storage. As Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro demonstrates on a daily basis, long duration energy storage is essential in soaking up excess renewable energy when it’s plentiful and delivering it back into the grid when demand is high. This sustainable resource safeguards reliability of supply in a net zero future.

“Mt Rawdon presents a unique opportunity to repurpose existing mining infrastructure to become part of the long-term solution to securing a renewable energy future for Queensland.”