News

HUNTER POWER PROJECT UPDATE

16/12/2024

Testing and commissioning of Snowy Hydro’s fourth fast-start, on demand gas power station has now begun.

This first phase of commissioning involves pressure testing the Hunter Power Project’s (HPP) approximately 23 kilometre network of pipe infrastructure that will deliver gas, diesel and water to the station’s generators.

Using the latest technology the world’s best manufacturers can offer, HPP will be powered by two of the most gas-efficient turbines available and will be capable of delivering 660 megawatts of electricity to the grid. This significant amount of power will make a meaningful difference to supply reliability, helping the network cope during hot weather and outages of transmission lines and other power stations.

As more wind and solar enters the electricity grid, HPP will play a critical role by providing back-up power to homes and businesses.This means that while HPP is only expected to run around 5 percent of the time, it will enable around 2 gigawatts of renewable energy to be added to the grid, which is the equivalent of displacing around 5 million tonnes of CO2-e every year¹.

PHASED COMMISSIONING

Alongside the pipe pressure tests, HPP’s switching station, which was built by Snowy Hydro as part of the project but handed over to Ausgrid to operate, will be connected to provide the power station with energy from the grid. Testing will then progress to commissioning the first of HPP’s two turbines and generators.

Pending a smooth process, the first turbine and generator is expected to reach full commercial operation by the end of April 2025. Commissioning of the second turbine and generator will follow, with commercial operation of both turbines and generators expected by the end of June 2025.

Depending on commissioning outcomes, there is a possibility of either turbine being available to provide some power to the grid sooner. These target dates are dependent on the commissioning program not being impacted by weather or other factors.

VALUE AND COST

HPP has experienced extended periods of extreme weather and other factors that have stopped work on the project, impacting its timeline. As flagged in the August 2024 project update, HPP’s cost has been impacted in order to minimise the delay in its completion, so HPP can produce power for the network as soon as possible.

Prioritising power availability means the final cost of HPP is expected to be around $1.3 billion, dependent on a smooth transition to commercial operation without delays from weather or other factors.

Despite the change in cost, the strength of HPP’s economic benefit has increased. HPP’s net present value (NPV), has increased to $914 million from $531 million at the March 2021 final investment decision².

This increase in HPP’s economic value has been largely driven by:

more wind and solar generation in the grid increasing the need for HPP to provide on-demand, back-up energy to boost electricity reliability;
a substantial increase in HPP’s gas storage capacity to 70TJ from 43TJ;
HPP’s contribution to managing transmission risk between Sydney and the Snowy Hydroelectric Scheme in the Snowy Mountains, by providing an alternative electricity source for Australia’s largest economy in the event of transmission outages.

LOCAL BENEFITS

The project is delivering substantial jobs and investment benefits to the Hunter region:

To promote interest in STEM career paths and education, HPP’s team has engaged with local students through career expos and presentations, including through partnerships with the Clontarf Foundation in Kurri Kurri, Youth Express and Training Services NSW.

$751 million spent domestically, with $619 million spent in the local Hunter region.

57% of HPP’s workforce are local residents.

20 apprentices are engaged on the project, providing skill development in the Hunter region.

Over $175,000 has been awarded to 39 local projects through the HPP Community Grants Program.

Over $26,000 has been granted to Cessnock LGA schools through the Snowy Hydro Local Schools STEM Fund in 2024.

¹Assumes every 1 MW of dispatchable capacity from HPP enables 3 MW of variable renewable capacity and displaces thermal generation with a carbon intensity of 0.94 t/CO2-e/MWh. Scope 1 emissions from HPP are estimated to be approximately 0.14 million tonnes of CO2-e per annum based on a carbon intensity of 0.52 t/CO2-e/MWh.

²NPVs discounted to March 2021.

News

FIND OUT MORE – SNOWY HYDRO COMMUNITY RESEARCH UPDATE

14/11/2024

Findings from Snowy Hydro’s 2024 Community Insights research have now been published, with opportunities for locals to attend in-person information sessions to ask questions and provide feedback.

The research campaign conducted earlier in the year invited all community members across south-eastern NSW to provide their opinions and experiences related to Snowy Hydro operations and the Snowy 2.0 project.

Insights gathered from the survey will help shape Snowy Hydro’s approach to community engagement and commitment to supporting positive social outcomes, according to Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Scott MacKillop.

“We’re really grateful that people gave up their time to talk to us about how they see Snowy Hydro in the community and share their ideas,” he said.

“The research told us there is strong support for Snowy Hydro and the Snowy 2.0 project across the region.

“There was also great feedback around how Snowy Hydro can continue to evolve the way it engages with local communities, which we are using to inform our approach going forward.

“The community also made it clear that there is a strong expectation that Snowy Hydro continues to have a positive impact on the region, particularly in terms of the legacy Snowy 2.0 leaves for the region after construction.

“We look forward to talking with you at the information sessions so you can ask questions and find out more about the recommendations being developed by the Snowy Hydro team.”

The Snowy Hydro community information sessions being held throughout the Snowy Mountains and surrounding areas will give community members a chance to hear about the research findings, ask questions and give us their feedback.

The sessions will also include updates on regional water operations and Snowy 2.0 project construction progress, including plans for a fourth tunnel boring machine and milestones achieved at the Tantangara and Lobs Hole worksites.

The Snowy Hydro Community Insights survey was open to individuals aged 18 and older from the Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys, Towong, Bega Valley and surrounding local government areas. A series of focus groups, one-on-one meetings, phone surveys and community pop-up stalls supported the online survey.

Research findings will be available on the Snowy Hydro website and at the community information sessions. Details below:

LOCATION	DATE	TIME
Talbingo Country Club	18 November	6pm – 7.30pm
Tumut Valmar Support Services	19 November	6pm – 7.30pm
Jindabyne Bowling Club	21 November	6pm – 7.30pm
Adaminaby School of Arts Hall	26 November	6pm – 7.30pm
Cooma Ex-Services Club	27 November	6pm – 7.30pm
Corryong Events Centre	2 December	6pm – 7.30pm
Khancoban Community Hall	3 December	5pm – 6.30pm
Bega Bowling Club	9 December	6pm – 7.30pm
Merimbula Twyford Hall	10 December	6pm – 7.30pm

News

SNOWY 2.0 TUNNEL PROGRESS AND CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

01/11/2024

The Snowy 2.0 pumped-hydro megaproject has marked a significant milestone, with one of three tunnel boring machines (TBM), Lady Eileen Hudson, now two-thirds of the way through its second tunnel excavation.

The TBM is approximately four kilometres into the six kilometre ‘tailrace’ tunnel, which will link the lower Talbingo Reservoir with the massive 20-storey underground power station. TBM Lady Eileen Hudson previously completed a 2.85 kilometre main access tunnel, which is now being used by construction teams to reach the underground power station site.

Drill and blast works are also advancing at the Talbingo water intake, creating a new 700-metre tunnel between the intake structure and the tailrace tunnel. The Talbingo intake is located in very steep terrain and following excavation of 570,000 cubic metres of material over two years, the rock face is now 110 metres high.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said that recent months have been some of the project’s most productive.

“Overall the project is around 60 percent complete and there’s a strong sense of momentum, with good tunnelling progress by TBM Lady Eileen and other two TBMs performing well,” Mr Barnes said.

“Snowy 2.0 is one of the most complex and challenging megaprojects underway in the world. There is an immense sense of pride in what’s being achieved across the workforce of more than 3,000 people.”

Mr Barnes said Snowy 2.0 will be the most significant addition to the National Electricity Market (NEM) since the original Snowy Scheme.

“Snowy 2.0 will have a generating capacity of 2,200 megawatts and an unmatched 160-hour storage capability, meaning it will be able to power around 3 million homes for a week,” Mr Barnes said.

“While batteries and gas are important to store the excess energy from the increasing amounts of wind and solar in the grid, only pumped hydro can offer the long-duration storage needed to keep the lights on and smooth energy price peaks during extended periods without enough sun and wind.”

Snowy 2.0 is on track to be delivered within the $12 billion budget and be complete by the end of 2028.

Across the project, more progress is being made:

In the underground power station complex, the caverns are more than 27% excavated.
- All 196 of the very large brackets that will hold the temporary construction cranes to build the underground power station have been installed in the two power station caverns.
- When fully excavated, the Snowy 2.0 power station will be the equivalent of a 20-storey, 250 metre-long building, located 800 metres underground.
At Marica, the 28-metre wide surge shaft is excavated to 123 metres, or half of its final depth. The shaft will provide water storage when the power station starts up and pressure relief in the headrace tunnel when it shuts down.
TBM Florence is progressing well, excavating the 17-kilometre long ‘headrace’ tunnel that will link the upper Tantangara water reservoir to the underground power station, with more than 1,600 metres excavated. TBM Kirsten is performing to plan and is now excavating the 1.6-kilometre, very steep tunnel that will link the headrace tunnel to the underground power station. Ground conditions ahead of all TBMs are expected to be inconsistent and the performance of the machines will vary as a result.
The NSW Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Housing is currently assessing the planning modification to enable a fourth project TBM, which is required to tunnel through a challenging geological fault zone.
Snowy 2.0 is focused on health and safety above all else. While health and safety performance is encouraging, it is an area in which the project is continually monitoring and looking to improve further:
- The project’s current total reportable injury frequency rate (TRIFR) is 2.42^*. ^*Calculated per million hours worked. Current total work hours are 27.8 million.
- The current lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) is 0.92.

News

FORMER SNOWY SCHEME WORKERS VISIT SNOWY 2.0

01/11/2024

They came together from all corners of the world to build the iconic Snowy Scheme and decades later, a visit to the Snowy 2.0 project has provided former workers with an eye-opening snapshot of Australia’s renewable energy future.

About 60 members of the Snowy Scheme workforce continued 75th anniversary celebrations with a tour of the main Snowy 2.0 construction worksite at Lobs Hole and lunch with current workers.

Snowy Hydro’s 2,200 megawatt pumped hydro mega project, which is expanding the Snowy Scheme generating capacity by more than 50% and delivering 160 hours of energy storage, made an impression on the tour group.

Former Chief Operating Officer Ken Lister, described the engineering on display as “truly world class” and was matched by the competence, courage and collaboration of the Snowy 2.0 workforce.

“It is obvious that the people of Snowy 2.0 are just as committed to delivering a project to ‘keep the lights on’ as the former workers were in ‘turning the waters westward’,” Ken said.

Tumut resident Ray Holloway, who worked as a fitter’s assistant on the Tumut 3 Power Station build, said the scale of Snowy 2.0 was ‘amazing’.

“The whole day was magnificent and to see the project like that was a memorable experience. It’s a lot bigger than I thought it was,” Ray said.

Snowy 2.0 Project Director, Snowy Hydro’s Dave Evans, said it was a privilege to host former Scheme workers onsite.

“We were incredibly proud to show them Snowy 2.0 and to acknowledge their contribution to this project – without them, and the mighty Snowy Mountains Scheme, we wouldn’t be here today,” Dave said. “We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.

“Together, the Snowy Scheme and Snowy 2.0 will be critically important to underpin Australia’s transition to renewable energy.”

The Lobs Hole site tour followed a 75 years of the Snowy Scheme Former Worker Reunion event in Cooma and a range of community-led initiatives including an open day at the Snowy Scheme Museum in Adaminaby.

The final Snowy Hydro initiative for the 75th anniversary is the community open day at Tumut 3 Power Station on Saturday, 2 November. A record number of registrations were received, with registrations for this event now closed.

News

SNOWY HYDRO CONTINUES INVESTMENT IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

08/10/2024

Snowy Hydro has kicked off round two of its 2024 Community Grants Program, with more than $200,000 of funding available to help local community groups bring their ideas to life.

With grants of up to $10,000 each, the program aims to support community-led initiatives that encourage growth and resilience in regional communities. Whether related to education, health, regional capacity building, or the environment, this funding is about creating lasting, positive change.

Grants are available for community-led initiatives that align with Snowy Hydro’s community commitment pillars of education and development, health and wellbeing, regional capacity building and environment.

Sarah Norris, Snowy Hydro’s Social Impact and Engagement Manager, said the program is about helping communities thrive, “We believe in the future of our communities and are proud to support projects that create real opportunities and make a difference.

“The passion and creativity we’ve seen from past recipients have been truly inspiring, from grassroots initiatives that bring people together, to innovative programs that address regional challenges.

“It’s more than just funding. It’s about helping people turn their ideas into reality and contributing to a vibrant, resilient future for our region. We’re thrilled to continue this journey with a new round of applicants and can’t wait to see what ideas come through.”

Earlier this year, the first round saw over 80 applications, with $204,000 in funding for 30 worthy projects. From small grassroots efforts to larger initiatives, the Snowy Hydro Community Grants Program is making a real impact across the Snowy Mountains region.

To be eligible, groups must operate within the Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys, or Towong areas. They must be a non-profit group or organisation that holds an Australian Business Number (ABN) and can show how their project will address community needs, deliver lasting benefits, and build stronger connections.

Applications are open until 20 October 2024, with results announced in late November. For more details and to apply, visit the Snowy Hydro website and start making a difference today!

All applications must be submitted online via the online form, found on the Snowy Hydro website.
For more information about Snowy Hydro’s Community Grants Program visit: https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/communitygrantsprogram/

News

SNOWY 2.0 CONFIRMS FOURTH TUNNEL BORING MACHINE TO PROTECT DELIVERY TIMELINE

23/08/2024

A new tunnel boring machine will be deployed to help keep Snowy 2.0 on its delivery timeline, subject to approval by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

New ground testing techniques have provided a better understanding of the full extent of a complex fault zone on the route of the 17 kilometre tunnel that will connect Snowy 2.0’s upper reservoir to its underground power station.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said activating a fourth tunnel boring machine is the right course of action, given that what is now known about the tunnelling challenges ahead has provided the opportunity to mature the design.

“We’ve always known the fault zone was there and I’ve said in the past we will need to take action,” Mr Barnes said.

”While the fault zone is not a surprise, further ground testing since the project reset has revealed it is far more geologically challenging than earlier investigations indicated.

“We’ve carefully considered a range of options to get through the fault zone and overcome the initial design immaturity. Bringing in a fourth machine is the best way to keep the Snowy 2.0 on track for its target completion date of December 2028.”

A modification for Snowy 2.0’s project approval has been submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and will be subject to the Department’s independent community consultation and assessment processes.

The planning modification seeks approval for a change to construction methods within the project’s already approved work zone. There is no proposal to increase approved land clearing areas, surface or groundwater impacts. Local communities will be consulted about relevant changes to construction methodologies.

“We’re mindful that we are building Snowy 2.0 in a precious and protected national park. We have worked diligently to arrive at a proposal that does not step outside our existing construction area or increase our already approved impacts,” Mr Barnes said.

Mr Barnes said he remains committed to transparency regarding the project, given the inevitable challenges ahead.

“Just like the construction of the original Snowy Scheme, this is one of the most challenging and complex megaprojects underway in the world,” he said.

“The fourth tunnel boring machine is an example of adapting to the situation in front of us, so we are doing everything we can to safely meet Snowy 2.0’s delivery timeline.”

While the need for a new tunnel boring machine is driven by new information about the fault zone, Mr Barnes acknowledges that the disappointing performance of Florence, the tunnel boring machine excavating the same tunnel that the new machine will also work on, has contributed to the need to take significant action.

“It’s difficult to say with certainty whether the same action would be needed if Florence had performed as we had hoped. However, it’s likely that the fourth machine would still be needed,” Mr Barnes said.

Snowy 2.0 will help underpin Australia’s transition to renewable energy through its ability to generate enough flexible, fast-dispatch energy to power 3 million homes continuously for a week.

The unmatched scale and duration of Snowy 2.0’s storage and generating ability will effectively provide the network with critical electricity supply insurance against extended periods without enough wind and sunlight. Most other forms of storage, including batteries, can only generate power for a handful of hours.

According to AEMO (the Australian Energy Market Operator), Snowy 2.0 will supply a majority of the National Electricity Market’s storage needs, greater than every other storage asset combined.

“Snowy 2.0 is critical to Australia’s energy future. We need to get this job done,” Mr Barnes said.

Subject to planning approval, the new machine will be tunnelling before the end of 2025.

News

SNOWY HYDRO JOINS FORCES WITH ATSE TO BOOST STEM GENDER DIVERSITY

21/08/2024

Women and non-binary people pursuing dreams of a STEM career will have an opportunity for game-changing support, thanks to a partnership between Snowy Hydro and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE).

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the iconic Snowy Scheme, Snowy Hydro will offer financial scholarships with wrap-around assistance to two undergraduates. The two STEM scholars will be able to study STEM disciplines at the university of their choice, as well as the opportunity for mentoring and professional development designed to help them find a job and thrive.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the scholarships were about providing additional support to people who might otherwise experience barriers to a career in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

“The Snowy Scheme is synonymous with scientific and engineering excellence and that’s continuing with the development of the Snowy 2.0 mega project,” Mr Barnes said.

“Providing this support to kick-start two STEM careers is a meaningful way to mark 75 years of the Snowy Scheme and make an important contribution to the skills that will help make the next 75 years possible.

“There’s also an important diversity consideration here. The energy sector is typically male dominated and there’s so much that can be gained by women and gender-diverse people choosing STEM disciplines.

“I’d love to see the people who are awarded the Snowy Hydro 75th Anniversary scholarships contributing to Australia’s transition to renewable energy.”

The scholarships will be offered through ATSE’s Elevate program. Snowy Hydro will fund two scholars for three years, with each scholar receiving $30,000 over the period. This scholarships will not only support the scholars financially but also grant them access to the vast ATSE network, including mentoring, professional development workshops, and 24-hour psychosocial wellbeing support.

Mr Barnes said one of the reasons Snowy Hydro is partnering with ATSE is because a significant number of Elevate program scholarship recipients are from regional areas.

“When you live in a regional area, there are far more barriers to studying, particularly, STEM, which often require technology and resources that are only available in cities. Relocating to study creates an additional financial burden,” Mr Barnes said.

“Knowing the ATSE and the Elevate program have a substantial regional footprint, and that our scholarships might help break down those barriers, is important to us.”

“Boosting gender diversity in STEM is not just a matter of equity but a critical driver for innovation and sustainability.” said ATSE CEO, Kylie Walker.

“Women bring diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, which are essential in tackling the complex challenges of transitioning to renewable energy and achieving net-zero targets.

“Partnerships with industry leaders like Snowy Hydro are vital to this mission, as they provide the career opportunities and real-world expertise needed to empower women and gender-diverse people in STEM and drive meaningful progress in these fields.”

Snowy Hydro and ATSE are committed to creating a lasting impact by supporting the next generation of STEM professionals, particularly those from underrepresented groups. This partnership highlights how industry collaboration can drive meaningful change and contribute to a diverse and inclusive STEM industry.

Applications for the Elevate program have been open since May and will close 30 August. Assessment will take place in September and October. The announcement of the selected scholars will occur in November, with scholarships commencing in January 2025.

For more information about the Elevate program, visit https://www.atse.org.au/elevate.

About ATSE

ATSE is an independent, non-government organisation and charity, ATSE is led by a diverse Fellowship of over 900 of Australia’s leading applied scientists, technologists and engineers.

Their Elevate program provides scholarships, networking opportunities, mentoring, and wellbeing support to scholars during their university studies. The Elevate program will award up to 500 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to women and non-binary people in STEM.

The Elevate scholarships program provides:

• Financial support
• Access to events and networking
• Professional development
• Mentoring
• Wellbeing support during scholars’ university studies

About Snowy Hydro

Snowy Hydro is a dynamic integrated energy company at the forefront of the renewable energy transition and decarbonisation of the NEM. In addition to its commitment to clean energy, Snowy Hydro is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, particularly in supporting opportunities for women in STEM. Through its Snowy STEM Academy, development and mentorship programs, Rise Women and a focus on creating an inclusive workplace culture, Snowy Hydro is dedicated to fostering the next generation of female leaders who will shape the future of renewable energy and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the NEM.

News

HUNTER POWER PROJECT DELIVERS LOCAL JOBS AND SKILLS

12/08/2024

Snowy Hydro’s Hunter Power Project (HPP) is leaving a lasting impact on the local workforce, delivering approximately 600 direct construction jobs and crucial skills development for a number of high-demand construction trades.

More than 60% of HPP workers live locally, which is part of Snowy Hydro’s commitment to supporting communities that the company is a part of.

The number of apprentices at HPP is on the increase, with Snowy Hydro working alongside principal contractor UGL to provide an additional 12 apprenticeship positions in June 2024, which includes three females and two First Nations apprentices. New apprentices on site include a boilermaker, nine electricians, and two mechanical fitters.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said HPP will be good for jobs long after construction is complete.

“We are proud of our contribution to the construction, engineering, and infrastructure sector here in the Hunter, especially given the current tradespeople shortages in Australia.

“This project will have a lasting impact on the size and proficiency of the local workforce”

Mr Barnes said.

”A job on HPP will help set our team up for a rewarding career and a bright future.”

Electrical apprentice Daniel Battle said he became interested in the electrical trade after working as a Trades Assistant on the project.

“This apprenticeship is giving me the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience while working to a high standard within the industry to become an electrician,” Mr Battle said.

Apprentice boilermaker Jackson Scott said he was passionate about fabrication and welding. “I was very lucky to be offered an apprenticeship shortly after starting at HPP.

“HPP is preparing me to have a successful career contributing to important infrastructure in our country, and I’m extremely grateful,” Mr Scott said.

Electrical apprentice Camilla Lindeberg said she worked as a cleaner for seven months before applying for an apprenticeship.

“I never thought of being an electrical apprentice until the opportunity presented itself, and I’m excited for what the future holds.

“The challenge of learning something new and directly contributing to building HPP gives me a great sense of achievement and sets me up for a whole new career with endless opportunities,” Ms Lindeberg said.

Snowy Hydro is also looking to the future workforce through its community support programme.

In 2024, Snowy Hydro extended its Local School STEM Fund to the Cessnock LGA where HPP is located. More than $26,000 was awarded to schools in the area to foster learning opportunities and career pathways for local young people with a focus on STEM.

From left to right: Daniel Battle, Camilla Lindeberg, and Jackson Scott.

News

EVENTS CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF THE SNOWY SCHEME – REGISTER NOW

18/07/2024

Later this year, Snowy Hydro will be hosting two events in the Snowy Mountains to celebrate 75 years of the iconic Snowy Scheme.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the company was looking forward to celebrating this milestone with meaningful, community-led initiatives reflecting the legacy of the Snowy Scheme.

“It’s important that we mark the 75th anniversary alongside those who worked on the Snowy Scheme construction and with the broader community,” Dennis said.

“Snowy Hydro has made a huge contribution to the local region and to Australia. We’re delighted to welcome the community to celebrate this shared milestone with us.

“The next 75 years will be just as important. The Scheme and its Snowy 2.0 extension will help underpin the nation’s transition to a renewable energy future.”

On Saturday, 19 October 2024, Snowy Hydro will host a reunion event at the Cooma Multifunction Centre for the former Snowy Scheme construction workforce and their families.

Additionally, on Saturday, 2 November, a community open day will be held at Tumut 3 Power Station in Talbingo. This event is an opportunity for both local residents and visitors to gain insights into Snowy Hydro’s proud history, current operations and plans for the future. Key highlights of the day include:

Tours of Tumut 3 Power Station
Bus tours to Talbingo Reservoir and the top of Tumut 3’s mighty penstocks
Fun and educational activities hosted by the Snowy STEM Academy
Food and coffee from local vendors

Registration for both events is now open on the Snowy Hydro website at snowyhydro.com/75years – it is essential to secure your place so register now.

For more information about the Former Worker Reunion Event and Tumut 3 Community Open Day, please visit the Snowy Hydro website or contact community@snowyhydro.com.au.

Information about these celebrations will be updated regularly on the Snowy Hydro website and social media channels.

News

SNOWY 2.0 UPDATE

18/07/2024

The Snowy Delivery team has completed 570,000 cubic metres of excavation of the Talbingo intake. The intake is where water will exit and enter the tailrace tunnel, connecting the lower Talbingo reservoir to the underground power station
Excavation of the Marica surge shaft has reached 95 metres. Mechanical excavation including rock breakers and excavators continues, with drill and blast methods also being used. Once complete, the 28 metre-wide and 250 metre-deep surge shaft will be used for water storage and pressure relief when the power station starts up, and to absorb the momentum. The Marica surge shaft will be one of the largest shafts of its type in the world
Excavation of the gate shaft at Tantangara is complete, with drill and blast work to excavate the transition tunnels linking it and the intake well advanced. The gate shaft is used to stop and start the flow of water into the headrace tunnel and power station for maintenance purposes or in the case of an emergency

Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs)

Florence

Florence is the TBM excavating the 16 kilometre headrace tunnel, which will connect the underground power station to the upper Tantangara reservoir

Following a seven-week operation to use ultra high pressure water jetting to remove very hard rock preventing the TBM from progressing, TBM Florence restarted excavation on Thursday 11 July

The Snowy delivery team expects highly variable ground conditions to continue ahead of TBM Florence, which will mean progress will continue to vary, particularly as the TBM navigates the curve leading to the main tunnel alignment

Lady Eileen Hudson

TBM Lady Eileen Hudson, which has completed the 2.8 kilometre main access tunnel to the power station, is now excavating the 6 kilometre tailrace tunnel, which will connect the underground power station to the lower Talbingo reservoir

The machine is progressing well and is approximately 3.0 kilometres into the tailrace tunnel

A conveyor belt extension and service modifications have recently been carried out so excavations to join the tailrace tunnel with the Talbingo intake excavation can commence

Kirsten

Kirsten is the TBM excavating the 1.6km Inclined Pressure Shaft (IPS – connecting the underground power station to the headrace tunnel that leads to the upper Tantangara reservoir), having already completed the 2.9km emergency, cable and ventilation tunnel

TBM Kirsten has installed 14 trial tunnel lining rings in the IPS using locally manufactured concrete segments specifically designed for the high water pressures that will be experienced in the IPS

Tunnelling of the IPS will be a pioneering engineering challenge, with the shaft’s incline reaching a steep 47 percent

News

SNOWY HYDRO SIGNS LOCHARD GAS STORAGE AGREEMENT

15/07/2024

Snowy Hydro has entered into a 25-year gas storage agreement with Lochard Energy at the Iona underground gas storage facility to support Snowy Hydro’s gas fired generation fleet.

Australia’s energy market continues to experience significant change with the uptake of renewables and the progressive closure of coal fired assets. Snowy Hydro helps manage intermittency in the National Electricity Market (NEM) through its portfolio of power stations including the Snowy Scheme.

The long-term Lochard storage deal will allow Snowy Hydro to utilise stored gas when required to operate its gas fired power stations.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said reliability and security of supply is central to the way Snowy Hydro operates, maintains and develops its nationally critical infrastructure.

“Snowy Hydro’s generating portfolio of hydro, pumping and gas fired power stations continues to support further deployment of renewables into the grid by “firming” intermittent generation sources into reliable power. The gas storage agreement with Lochard Energy will support the operation of our gas-fired power stations in Victoria.”

Lochard CEO Tim Jessen said Lochard welcomes the opportunity to strengthen its relationship with Snowy Hydro through the signing of the new Gas Storage Services Agreement.

“This important agreement will underpin Lochard’s Heytesbury Underground Gas Storage project through which we will further expand the Iona Gas Storage Facility to continue to provide critical energy storage services in Victoria.”

Gas storage is essential to ensure the supply of gas to meet peak electricity demand in seasonal markets, to supply gas to peak power generators including Snowy Hydro, and to ensure security of supply in the event of supply disruption.

Snowy Hydro owns and operates three gas-fired power stations, strategically located in the LaTrobe Valley and Laverton in Victoria, and at Colongra, NSW. With a current total generating capacity of 1,290 MW. Snowy Hydro is also constructing a 660MW gas fired power station at Kurri Kurri in the Hunter Valley.

The Lochard Energy gas storage agreement will commence in January 2028.

News

2024 WINTER SNOW DEPTH MEASURING ACTIVITIES

02/07/2024

Snowy Hydro’s snow depth measurements in the NSW Snowy Mountains have commenced for 2024, with some changes and improvements to data collection and public reporting.

The first reading for 2024 was conducted on 14 June. Manual readings at Spencers Creek will occur weekly to fortnightly this winter, with a greater focus on the second half of the season when snow depths are peaking and as the spring snowmelt increases. Manual readings at Deep Creek and Three Mile Dam will be carried out on an as-needs basis and supplemented by automated instrumentation.

Following a rigorous process review and impact analysis, Snowy Hydro is investing in new instrumentation across the Snowy Scheme and can now provide more frequent snow depth readings at a site close to the Spencers Creek snow course. This near real-time snow depth information is available HERE, noting that as an experimental site, there may be gaps in the provision of data at times.

The new equipment can measure snow depths accurately up to 3 metres. We expect information from the site to improve the resolution of our overall data collection.

Snowy Hydro is committed to remaining flexible and exploring new technology to maximise the value of Spencers Creek, which is regarded as Australia’s premier long-term snow record.

We recognise its significance to scientists and the wider community as an index of environmental variability and change. Indeed, having an understanding of the alpine and subalpine environment is essential to our business operations.

Safety and operational considerations will remain our highest priority when conducting snow depth measurements. By being more flexible with how we collect data in remote locations, including the regularity and frequency of obtaining snow depth readings, we reduce the need to send staff to remote locations in poor weather conditions. This agility allows us to schedule this work to occur when conditions are safest while also maintaining quality records.