QLD announces world’s biggest pumped hydro scheme

Transmission lines at Rockhampton — Image: Queensland Government.

The Queensland Government has announced the world’s biggest pumped hydro scheme as part of its $62 billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

The plan includes delivering a new dam and pumped hydro facility in the Pioneer Valley near Mackay by 2035 that would supply half of the state’s entire energy needs with renewable energy. A second pumped hydro facility at Borumba Dam is also set for delivery by 2030.

Also included are two new renewable energy targets for Queensland: 70 per cent energy supply from renewables by 2023, and 80 per cent by 2035.

Queensland’s publicly owned coal-fired power stations will stop reliance on burning coal by 2035, and transition to clean energy hubs such as hydrogen power facilities, with job guarantees for workers.

The plan also outlines the building of the new Queensland SuperGrid, connecting solar, wind, battery and hydrogen generators across the state. This includes 11.5 gigawatts of rooftop solar, 6 gigawatts of embedded batteries, as well as Queensland’s first hydrogen-ready gas turbine.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the plan would set Queensland up for the next century.

“This plan is all about cheaper, cleaner and secure energy for Queenslanders,” she said. “It is about turbo-charging new investment in new minerals, batteries, and manufacturing.

“This plan makes Queensland the renewable energy capital of the world. It also takes real and decisive action on climate change, providing the biggest commitment to renewable energy in Australia’s history.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the two new pumped hydro facilities would be bigger than the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric scheme.

“We will use cheap solar electricity during the day to pump water up the mountain to store it,” he said. “Then at night we can release the water to generate electricity. It’s like a giant battery.”

Treasurer Cameron Dick said the state’s energy transformation would also provide great job opportunities.

“This empowers our regions in every sense of the word,” he said. “It will bring manufacturing back to the regions in all-new industries.”

For the full Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, click here.