The Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project is a critical State significant development that will provide much-needed electricity generation firming capacity and support the transmission network’s stability into the future, enabling a smooth transition to renewable energy sources.
The project site is adjacent to the Macleay River between Armidale and Kempsey in New South Wales. It will sit within the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), one of five REZs identified by the NSW Government. The 900-megawatt (MW) project will contribute to the State’s energy needs by providing energy storage at a significant scale and allowing flexible, dispatchable electricity generation.
The Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project involves the construction of two ‘off-river’ water containment structures to create an upper and a lower reservoir. Its closed-loop design preserves water resources and minimises environmental impacts on the river. Using electricity generated by solar and wind farms in the REZ, water will be pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir, acting as a large-scale battery. This stored energy can be released as electricity during periods of high demand.
Alinta Energy is developing the project, with AECOM, supported by Lombardi Engineering, appointed as the Owners Engineer providing the following services:
- Full range of engineering services for the procurement of the PHES Project
- Scoping, monitoring and assessment of the geotechnical outputs from the Stage 2 geotechnical site investigations
- Preparation of the 900MW Reference Design
- OEM procurement support
- ECI procurement and technical support throughout the process
- Technical support for the early works.
Providing capacity quickly
The Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project has a short distance between its reservoirs, meaning it can respond and come online quickly, rapidly providing significant quantities of electricity. The shorter distance between the reservoirs also means the project will avoid lengthy tunnelling construction and quicken delivery timeframes, helping Australia hasten its energy transition.
Located in a REZ, the Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project will operate in tandem with other renewable energy technologies and the broader East Coast grid. Its large capacity and quick-start energy generation will allow it to stabilise the energy generation of nearby wind and solar technologies. The project will provide eight hours of 900MW dispatchable energy, made available to the National Electricity Market, helping the transition towards cleaner, more reliable, and affordable electricity.
The project acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways on which it operates, and the surrounding communities. The project has developed and implemented a First Nations communications and engagement plan to help foster long-term opportunities for First Nations people, businesses, and communities.