The Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) project in Queensland, funded at a substantial $14.2 billion, has achieved a pivotal status as a coordinated project. This designation signifies a crucial step forward in the project's progression towards fruition.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government, and Planning, Dr. Steven Miles, and marks a key moment in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan initiated by the Palaszczuk Government.
The coordinated project declaration by Queensland's Coordinator-General paves the way for an assessment of the project's social, economic, and environmental impacts. Queensland Hydro, the developer of the project, is set to embark on an ambitious plan that includes the construction of a new upper reservoir and a dam wall to replace the existing structure at Borumba Dam. This upgrade will result in a substantial boost in Lake Borumba's storage capacity, from 46 to 224 gigalitres.
Furthermore, the Borumba Pumped Hydro project is anticipated to generate up to 2000MW of electricity, solidifying its role as a critical component in Queensland's renewable energy landscape.
Local communities will have the opportunity to weigh in on the project's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and provide input on Queensland Hydro's assessment of the project, as well as the proposed measures to mitigate potential impacts.
Geotechnical exploratory drilling has already commenced within the Southern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone, a step that will significantly inform the EIS process.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles expressed his enthusiasm, stating: "This marks another step forward for the Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project, and further progress towards our state's future as a clean energy superpower. Over the past year, we have led the nation in the construction of new clean energy projects, driving new investment and generating good jobs for Queenslanders."
Mick de Brenni, the Minister for Energy, Renewables, and Hydrogen, also weighed in, highlighting the project's adherence to the Queensland procurement policy, promoting the involvement of local companies and tradespeople. "Borumba will allow us to replace expensive fossil fuels with Queensland's sun, wind, and water – putting the Sunshine State on the map as a global renewable energy hub," he declared.
Member for Nicklin, Rob Skelton, emphasized the role of pumped hydro energy storage in Queensland's renewable energy transition, calling it a vital component of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
The Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt, praised the declaration of the Borumba project as a significant milestone in Queensland's renewable energy journey, reiterating the government's commitment to creating jobs and achieving renewable energy targets.
Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack expressed his organization's enthusiasm for the coordinated project declaration, emphasizing the importance of the Borumba Project in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan. He also underscored their commitment to environmental responsibility, stating: "We will work proactively with the local community, Traditional Owners, leading experts, and conservation groups throughout the process to ensure we're implementing sustainable practices at all stages of the project, and we will keep them updated on the progress at regular intervals."
