The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project, located west of the Sunshine Coast, is a $14.2 billion investment in Queensland’s energy future. With a capacity to generate up to 2000MW of electricity for up to 24 hours at a time, it represents a cornerstone in Australia’s shift towards renewable energy. This project is not just a feat of engineering; it’s a testament to Queensland’s commitment to a sustainable future and its position as a leader in renewable energy innovation.
Key contracts awarded
Three major works packages have been awarded to Queensland-based companies, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development:
- Dams Designer Delivery Partner: Water2Wire Joint Venture (JV) has been appointed with packages totaling $40 million to advance the design and engineering of both the upper and lower reservoirs.
- Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) Designer: AFRY-Aurecon JV secured a $39.9 million contract for this crucial component.
- Worker Accommodation: Decmil has been awarded a contract of approximately $111 million to design and construct two temporary worker camps on the project site.
These contracts not only signify progress in the project’s development but also demonstrate the government’s commitment to leveraging local expertise and boosting the Queensland economy.
Dams design: a collaborative effort
Water2Wire JV, a collaboration between GHD, Mott MacDonald, and Stantec, will lead the engineering and design for the project’s seven proposed dams. This includes six new dams to form a new upper reservoir and one new dam wall and spillway downstream from the existing Borumba Dam.
Mark Cordell, Water2Wire Borumba Pumped Hydro Project Director and Market Leader, Dams and Hydropower at Stantec, expressed the joint venture’s commitment:
“The Water2Wire joint venture is honoured to be selected as Dams Designer for the Upper and Lower Borumba Dams, bringing global expertise to this local project. In addition, many of our Water2Wire team live and work regionally, which will help build knowledge and deliver lasting benefits to local communities, as well as the wider economy.”
Technical challenges and innovations
The design of seven dams presents unique challenges that require innovative solutions. The team will need to consider factors such as:
- Geological conditions of the site
- Environmental impact and mitigation measures
- Seismic resilience
- Integration with existing infrastructure
- Optimization of water flow for maximum energy efficiency
The Water2Wire JV brings together a wealth of experience in dam design and hydropower projects, ensuring that these challenges are met with cutting-edge solutions.
PHES design: bringing global expertise
The AFRY-Aurecon JV brings together international and Australian expertise to deliver the design works for the project. AFRY contributes over 125 years of hydropower expertise, while Aurecon brings nearly a century of experience in mega infrastructure projects.
Knut Sierotzki, Vice President Hydropower Asia/Pacific & Country Manager Australia at AFRY, emphasized the project’s significance:
“The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project will be a game-changer for Queensland and a cornerstone of Australia’s clean energy transition. At AFRY, we are proud to be part of this ambitious project and honoured, alongside our partner Aurecon, to provide our leading hydropower design expertise to bring it to life.”
Innovative design elements
The PHES design will incorporate several innovative elements to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact:
- Advanced turbine technology for rapid response to grid demands
- Sophisticated control systems for optimal operation
- Fish-friendly designs to protect local aquatic ecosystems
- Integration with renewable energy sources for pumping operations
- Measures to reduce evaporation and water loss
These design elements will ensure that the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project sets new standards for efficiency and sustainability in the hydropower industry.
Worker accommodation: prioritizing community and safety
Decmil’s $111 million contract for worker accommodation demonstrates Queensland Hydro’s commitment to minimizing the project’s impact on local communities. The two state-of-the-art temporary camps will house up to 336 workers each, featuring wellness rooms, gym facilities, running tracks, social rooms, and laundry facilities.
Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack explained the rationale behind this approach:
“Queensland Hydro is well aware of the potential disruption a project of this scale could have on small regional communities and we are working with them to ensure we get our plans right. In developing our plans, we respect these communities and we are taking the lessons from other projects to ensure we are good neighbours.”
Community engagement and local benefits
The project team has initiated a comprehensive community engagement program to ensure that local voices are heard and concerns are addressed. This includes:
- Regular community information sessions
- Establishment of a community reference group
- Local employment and training initiatives
- Support for local businesses through procurement policies
- Investment in community infrastructure and services
By prioritizing community engagement, the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project aims to create lasting positive impacts beyond its role in energy generation.
Project timeline and impact
The main works phase of the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is scheduled to commence in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Queensland Hydro is currently undertaking studies as part of an Environmental Impact Statement.
Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni highlighted the project’s importance:
“This is a huge milestone for one of the most important renewable energy projects anywhere in Australia. This major milestone means we have awarded three major works packages to Queensland-based companies to take forward the design of the reservoirs and the powerhouse.”
Key milestones
- 2023-2025: Detailed design and environmental studies
- 2026: Commencement of main works (subject to approvals)
- 2026-2030: Construction phase
- 2030: Projected completion and commissioning
Economic and environmental benefits
The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate regional development. It aligns with Queensland’s ambitious goal of transitioning to 80% renewable energy by 2035.
- Job Creation and Skills Development
- The project is set to create:
- Over 2,000 direct construction jobs
- Hundreds of ongoing operational and maintenance roles
- Thousands of indirect jobs in supporting industries
- Opportunities for skills development and training in renewable energy technologies
- Environmental Considerations
While the project will have a significant environmental footprint, measures are being taken to minimize and offset impacts:
- Comprehensive environmental impact assessments
- Habitat restoration and conservation programs
- Investment in research on local ecosystems
- Adoption of best practices in sustainable construction
Paul Gleeson, Managing Director, Energy – Australia at Aurecon, emphasized the critical role of pumped hydro storage: “Highly reliable long-duration pumped hydro storage plays a critical role in stabilising an electricity grid that has high levels of renewable energy. It complements the typically shorter duration storage provided by utility-scale batteries, allowing stored energy to be released into our electricity grid when needed.”
Technical specifications
The project will see a new upper reservoir built, as well as a new dam wall to replace the existing Borumba Dam wall. This will increase Lake Borumba’s storage capacity from 46 to 224 gigalitres, providing a substantial boost to the region’s energy storage capabilities.
- Total capacity: 2,000 MW
- Storage duration: Up to 24 hours
- Upper reservoir capacity: Approximately 178 gigalitres
- Lower reservoir (Lake Borumba) capacity: 224 gigalitres
- Height difference between reservoirs: Approximately 600 meters
- Number of turbines: To be determined in final design phase
- Transmission infrastructure: New high-voltage lines to connect to the grid
These specifications place the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project among the largest and most advanced PHES facilities globally, showcasing Australia’s commitment to world-class renewable energy infrastructure.
Integration with Queensland’s energy grid
The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project will play a pivotal role in Queensland’s future energy grid. Its ability to provide long-duration storage will complement other renewable energy sources and help manage peak demand periods.
The project will contribute to grid stability by:
- Providing fast-response power during peak demand
- Absorbing excess renewable energy during low demand periods
- Offering frequency control and ancillary services
- Reducing the need for gas-fired peaker plants
- Enabling Higher Renewable Energy Penetration
By providing a reliable storage solution, the project will enable Queensland to increase its reliance on variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This will be crucial for meeting the state’s 80% renewable energy target by 2035.
The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project represents a significant step forward in Australia’s renewable energy journey. By combining local expertise with global experience, Queensland is positioning itself at the forefront of clean energy innovation. As the project progresses, it promises to deliver not only a reliable and sustainable energy source but also substantial economic benefits to the region.
Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack summed up the project’s potential: “Pumped hydro is unquestionably the right technology to enable Queensland’s clean energy transition. We’re delighted to be partnering with Australian and international experts with proven global experience that will be used to deliver the Borumba Project.”
As the hydropower industry watches with keen interest, the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is set to become a benchmark for large-scale renewable energy storage solutions, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for Queensland and Australia as a whole. Its success will not only contribute to Australia’s energy security but also serve as a model for other countries grappling with the challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
The project’s ambitious scale, innovative design, and commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship make it a true game-changer in the global fight against climate change. As it moves from planning to reality, the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when vision, expertise, and determination come together in pursuit of a sustainable energy future.
Geotechnical drilling at Borumba
Three south-east Queensland companies have been appointed by Queensland Hydro to undertake essential surface-level geotechnical drilling for the project.
GeoDrill Australia from Chevallum, Tier 1 Drilling from Morayfield and SJ Drilling from Jimboomba were successful in their tenders to provide a combined $25 million worth of drilling. The drilling is subject to Queensland Hydro receiving necessary regulatory approvals for the works.
Queensland Hydro Chief Executive Officer Kieran Cusack said it is pleasing local companies can benefit from their involvement in pumped hydro while Queensland Hydro will benefit from their local expertise.
“Pumped hydro is unquestionably the right technology to enable Queensland’s clean energy transition. Our proposed projects offer real opportunities for local businesses to use their experience and capability to assist us in building these generational assets,” Mr Cusack said. “This is a two-year program of work, which provides local companies with certainty and surety and keeps economic benefits flowing into the region.
“While some companies may never have worked on pumped hydro or a renewable energy project before, their skills and expertise are transferrable, and they can positively contribute to the ongoing development of these projects.”
Thomas Partleton, Managing Director from GeoDrill Australia & GD Water Solutions, said they are thrilled to be part of the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project as it represents a significant opportunity to further develop their capabilities in renewable energy.
“This project will not only grow our team by 30 new members but also contribute to the local economy and the clean energy transition. Our expertise in geotechnical drilling aligns perfectly with the needs of this project, and we’re eager to support Queensland’s shift towards a sustainable energy future.”
Tyson Meyers, Managing Director from Tier 1 Drilling Australia said: “Tier 1 Drilling Australia is excited to be a part of the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project working toward building a cleaner future. Our experience and expertise in the drilling industry will mutually benefit the project success as well as benefit our company supporting the local community.”
Julian Irons, Director from SJ Drilling said: “Having completed several previous drilling campaigns for the Borumba Project, we are pleased to be selected to continue our involvement in this exciting and challenging project.
“Long term work gives stability for our company, and we believe the project will provide both local benefit and long-term power supply security. The support and hospitality of local residents has been great, and we look forward to ongoing work in the area.”
