A major project to expand the Snowy hydroelectric scheme in Australia has hit another milestone with the Federal Government giving approval for the project’s main works construction to go ahead.
The Snowy 2.0 pumped storage project will expand the Snowy Scheme by 2000MW by linking two existing dams, Tantangara and Talbingo, through 27km of tunnels, and the construction of an underground power station.
The approval from the Federal Government allows construction to commence on the underground power station, waterways and access tunnels, and other supporting infrastructure. It follows on from exploratory works, which got underway in 2019 and has included constructing site access roads, establishing a construction compound and excavating an exploratory tunnel.
“This approval marks the next stage in Snowy 2.0’s construction and brings our vision to become Australia’s biggest battery and storage for renewable energy one step closer,” Snowy Hydro’s CEO Paul Broad said. “It’s full steam ahead for the Snowy 2.0 project that will pave the way for Australia’s energy transition.
“It also unlocks billions of dollars of investment that will create thousands of jobs over the life of the project and provide a much-needed boost to the local and regional economy, which has been hit by drought, bushfires and COVID-19.
“Snowy 2.0 is already playing a major part in kick-starting the local economy, with more than 100 local businesses involved and more than $35 million spent in the Snowy Mountains region.”
The project is expected to be completed in 2026.
