Two multi-billion-dollar pumped hydro projects with the potential to power over 1 million homes in peak demand have been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) by the NSW Government.
If approved, the projects will help secure the state’s clean energy future.
Related article: WaterNSW shortlists three new sites for pumped hydro
The projects declared are:
- The $3.5 billion Western Sydney Pumped Hydro Project at Lake Burragorang, is a ZEN Energy project that will have the potential to power 500,000 homes.
- The $3.6 billion Yarrabin (Phoenix) Pumped Hydro Project near Mudgee in Central West NSW, is a ACEN Australia project that will have the capacity to power 600,000 homes.
Both projects are in the early planning stages and are located on WaterNSW land.
A comprehensive assessment will still be undertaken on each of the projects, including public exhibition and an opportunity for submissions from the community.
Related article: Queensland’s Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro to get $48M overhaul
NSW Minister for Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe said, “These projects will help stabilise the grid, support energy reliability during peak demand periods and underpin the transition away from coal‑fired power.
“Long‑duration storage like pumped hydro is essential to building a modern energy system that works for households, businesses and industry across NSW.”
