WaterNSW welcomes funds for green energy investigation at dam
20 DECEMBER 2022A key WaterNSW plan to enhance sustainability by hosting alternative energy projects on its land is a step closer thanks to NSW Government funding and a development agreement for a proposed pumped hydro project in the state’s Central West.
The proposed Phoenix pumped hydro project has secured a $7 million grant under the NSW Government Pumped Hydro Recoverable Grants Program to fund further investigations into using pumped hydro on land at Burrendong Dam.
WaterNSW’s Renewable Energy and Storage Program, is a key platform of the organisation’s commitment to pursuing opportunities for increasing sustainability, CEO Andrew George said today.
“WaterNSW welcomes this latest milestone in our ongoing efforts to identify renewable generation and storage opportunities on WaterNSW land and assets,” he said.
“This reflects our understanding of the importance of alternative energy, and so our pursuit of a sustainable future is a pillar of our corporate strategy, and a cornerstone of our goal of supporting the resilience of regional communities.
“Today’s announcement is the next stage in a process involving the NSW Government, WaterNSW and the private sector in utilising government assets to bring maximum benefit to the people of NSW.
“It is important to note that the proposed project would not impact on water availability or allocations, or otherwise influence the security of water drawn from Burrendong Dam for use in the Macquarie-Cudgegong Valley,” Mr George said.
“Capturing, storing, and delivering water to entitlement holders and the environment remains the primary function of WaterNSW and any project considered for a dam site must not interfere with dam operations.”
Pumped hydro is a concept that utilises two bodies of water, known as reservoirs, which are interconnected and located at different elevations, with a hydro power station situated near the lower reservoir. Electricity is generated when water is released from the upper reservoir through the hydroelectric turbines.
Should the project proceed the Phoenix Pumped Hydro project, proposed to be located adjacent to Burrendong Dam will provide 810MW of capacity and storage for up to 12 continuous hours of electricity generation.
For more information on the project: https://waternsw.com.au/renewableenergy
- Visit WaterInsights for dam levels and releases.
Media contact: Tony Webber 0428 613 478
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