EDF Australia has acquired and will co-develop the Dungowan Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project (Dungowan PHES) located near Tamworth in New South Wales.
Related article: EDF Australia and Vast to partner on concentrated solar
EDF Australia will co-develop the Dungowan PHES with Australian-owned companies Mirus Energy and Energy Estate.
Located in the New England Renewable Energy Zone, the Dungowan PHES is proposed to have a capacity of 300MW for up to 10 hours of energy storage and will be located downstream of the existing Dungowan dam.
EDF Australia CEO James Katsikas said, “We intend to work very closely with the local community … and with all stakeholders to ensure that the Dungowan PHES becomes a model of sustainable development and a source of real pride for the region.
“Our goal is not only to facilitate clean, renewable energy for the region, but also to foster economic growth and create new opportunities for local businesses and residents.”
The project has been in development since 2014 and was awarded pre-investment studies funding by the NSW Government under the Emerging Energy Program in 2019.
Mirus Energy founder Mark Waring said, “We carefully selected the site for the Dungowan PHES so it could support the development of the wind and solar renewable energy resources in the New England region.
“It is strategically located between retiring coal capacity to the south and wind and solar capacity to the east, west and north. The project is located so it can connect to new transmission infrastructure being developed by EnergyCo or the existing transmission lines.”
Energy Estate co-founder Simon Currie said, “An accelerated transition of the energy sector in NSW requires new entrants with a track record of successful delivery and a long-term commitment.
Related article: Tasmanian Libs to “tear up and re-write” hydro charter
“EDF Group is the right partner for Dungowan PHES. They understand the complexities of developing large scale pumped hydro projects and we are able to leverage their global resources, capacity and access global supply chains.”
