CleanCo Queensland has welcomed the Queensland Government’s investment in the proposed Mount Rawdon Pumped Hydro project—the first working gold mine in Australia to be repurposed as a power station and energy storage facility.
The state government will invest $50 million into the Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro project through CleanCo to help progress the project towards a final investment decision.
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Located west of Bundaberg, the former gold mine is being considered for conversion into a large-scale, long-duration energy storage facility capable of storing up to 20GWh of renewable energy using pumped hydro technology.
CleanCo has committed to working with project proponents Evolution Mining and ICA Partners to progress feasibility works, including geotechnical studies, environmental assessments and detailed design.
CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe said, “We welcome the Queensland Government’s support and vision in backing practical, deliverable clean energy projects like this one.
“CleanCo is a passionate advocate for long-duration storage. As Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro demonstrates on a daily basis, long duration energy storage is essential in soaking up excess renewable energy when it’s plentiful and delivering it back into the grid when demand is high. This sustainable resource safeguards reliability of supply in a net zero future.
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“Mount Rawdon presents a unique opportunity to repurpose existing mining infrastructure to become part of the long-term solution to securing a renewable energy future for Queensland.”
The Queensland LNP Government has announced a new five-year energy plan that will include the refurbishment of the state’s two major coal-fired power stations as well as new gas plants while progressing two pumped hydro projects.
