Name of the Project
Snowy 2.0 pumped-hydro scheme.

Location
New South Wales, Australia.

Project Owner/s
Snowy Hydro.

Project Description
Snowy 2.0 is a major expansion of the existing Snowy Scheme, adding new pumped-hydro capability between Tantangara and Talbingo dams through an underground network of tunnels and a new underground power station.

The project will increase the Scheme’s generation capacity by up to 2 000 MW, and at full capacity, provide about 175 hours of energy storage – enough to power three-million homes for more than a week.

The project will involve underground excava­tion and tunnelling works between Tantangara and Talbingo to depths of up to 1 km. It will also involve surface works in several locations, including at the intake-outlet structures and surge shaft, as well as the cable and ventilation portal sites. Several supporting works will also be required such as establishing or upgrading access tracks and roads, and electricity connections to construction sites.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The project has been estimated at between $3.8-billion and $4.5-billion.

Planned Start /End Date
First power is expected in late 2024.

Latest Developments
The Clough Salini joint venture (JV) has been appointed as the contractor for the Snowy 2.0 hydropower project.

The JV’s scope of work on the project is valued at about A$1.8-billion, spanning over the next five years.

Clough, a wholly owned subsidiary of JSE-listed Murray & Roberts, has a 35% shareholding in the JV.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Future Generation (preferred tenderer for civil works); Voith Hydro (preferred electrical and mechanical tenderer) and Leed Engineering (exploratory works preconstruction activities).

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Snowy Hydro, tel + 61 2 6453 2888 or email info@snowyhydro.com.au.