Last year, Origin revealed its plan to double its pumped hydro storage power near Kangaroo Valley and Bendeela, and has since prepared an Environmental Impact Statement on geotechnical works at the site. 

The geotechnical works would provide confidence the project can be constructed and operated in a safe and economically viable manner. 

Put simply, hydropower uses a turbine to help generate electricity, using the energy of falling or flowing water to turn the blades. Hydro pump storage, on the other hand, acts like a giant battery, storing excess wind and solar power that can be quickly fed into the national electricity market when it’s needed.  

Last year the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) committed $2 million in funding for Origin to assess the feasibility of expanding the Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Scheme, the NSW government then declared the project Critical State Significant Infrastructure. 

At the time, ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the Shoalhaven expansion could form important precedent for future hydro expansions across the state and country. 

"When it was built in 1977, Shoalhaven was future proofed to allow for more capacity to be added later on, which should reduce the cost and environmental impact of this project,” he said. 

“We know that storage technologies – both pumped hydro and batteries – will be key to the transition to renewable energy in Australia, which is why we’re supporting projects such as this that will help deliver secure and reliable electricity."

The proposed upgrade involves the construction of a new hydroelectric power and pump station and ancillary infrastructure which would be largely underground and located between Fitzroy Falls Reservoir and Lake Yarrunga. The tunnels and station were designed to stay underground to reduce impacts to the environment and community.

The Shoalhaven Hydro Expansion Project would draw on Origin’s existing water allocations to pump water up from Lake Yarrunga consuming electrical energy when it is in less demand. Electrical energy would then be generated through the return of water from Fitzroy Falls Reservoir to Lake Yarrunga when demand for energy increases. 

Origin says the project would assist in transitioning NSW to a low-emission based economy, while also creating more than 350 jobs during construction. 

The Environmental Impact Statement for the geotechnical works is now on exhibition, with the community able to provide feedback until March 23. 

To make a submission visit here.