SMEC Secures Snowy 2.0 Feasibility Study
17 May 2017
SMEC has been engaged by Snowy Hydro to assist with the feasibility study of the proposed Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme expansion project (Snowy 2.0), the first major expansion of the Scheme since its completion in 1974.
The objective of the proposed expansion is to increase the capacity of the Scheme in order to address current power shortages and help to stabilise electricity supply in the future.
SMEC and Snowy Hydro have a long and proud history, having worked together to develop the iconic 4,100 megawatt (MW) Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme under the auspices of the Snowy Mountains HydroElectric Authority, established in 1949.
The feasibility study will first review existing proposals to expand pumped hydro storage on the Scheme, many of which have existed since the 1960s. Under the most prospective proposal, up to 2,000 MW of hydroelectric energy could be added to the grid to act as rapid response back-up during periods of high demand and fill the gaps in energy supply. The pumped hydro capability means the water utilised for electricity generation can be recycled to provide supply when it’s needed most.
Snowy Hydro CEO Paul Broad said “This project has the potential to deliver one of the largest pumped hydro schemes in the world and underscores the importance of the Scheme’s existing role as the battery of the National Electricity Market.”
SMEC CEO Andy Goodwin commented “Snowy Mountains are part of our namesake and the backbone of our heritage, so the chance to be involved in this project again is a unique 'twice-in-a-lifetime' opportunity, both for our organisation and those engineers who worked on the original scheme.
We're honoured to be part of the project and looking forward to resuming our presence within the Cooma community again."
SMEC’s appointment will deliver significant benefits to the local Snowy Mountains community. As part of its commitment to the project, SMEC will reopen its offices in Cooma, which will see more than 30 people based permanently in the town.
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Source: SMEC - www.smec.com
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