With the release of a feasibility study just weeks away, core sampling of rock down to 1.1km appears to show there is no geotechnical reason, at least at the central drilling site, as to why a huge pumped hydro scheme in the Snowy Mountains can’t proceed.
About 20 different rock types were discovered in the initial drilling operation in the area where the giant underground generation chamber will be constructed. SMEC geotechnical experts in Cooma are analysing the samples. The initial reports are positive for an area well-known for its karst terrain and limestone caves, which may have presented engineering problems for the project.
The core sample findings will form part of a large 200 page feasibility study into the Turnbull Government’s planned scheme, which is set to revolutionise renewable power generation. If the feasibility study suggests the scheme is feasible, there will be two more steps before final approval.
The pumped hydro from the 27km long tunnel from Tantangara Dam to Talbingo reservoir would increase power generation in Australia by 2000 megawatts (compared to Tesla’s new lithium battery generation in South Australia of 100 megawatts).
Snowy’s corporate affairs general manager Stephanie McKew said Snowy Hydro was “optimistic” about the feasibility study. The large document with maps and graphs is being completed in-house at Snowy Hydro and with SMEC.
An extensive drilling program will quickly proceed, if the scheme gets initial approval. There will be some 30-40 new drill sites in the northern part of the park. The large football-field sized underground generation chamber will be located just north of the old goldmining township of Kiandra.
The scheme will deliver 2000 jobs during construction, and 5000 in total in direct and indirect work in the region.
Snowy Hydro has been conducting community forums in several towns in the Snowy in the last two weeks. One of the biggest concerns was access to lakes and fishing at the two dams affected. Snowy says the lakes will not be closed, nor fishing closed, although an EIS will determine what controls may be needed during construction. “We don’t expect there to be any major disruption to recreational use of the dams.” Ms McKew said.
The comprehensive feasibility study will go to the Snowy Hydro board later in December, where they will consider the feasibility study and make a decision whether to progress through to a “final investment decision”, expected mid-next year.
“At the moment the Federal Government is one of the shareholders so ultimately the decision will have to be made by the shareholders. There is a share sale process underway. So we will put a proposal to whoever those shareholder governments are.” (At the moment NSW owns 58 per cent, Victoria 29pc and the Commonwealth 13pc of Snowy Hydro. The Federal Government is negotiating to buy out the states.) Snowy Hydro will be able to trade its renewable pumped hydro generation with wind and solar producers.
John Ellicott
journalist and author
journalist and author
