2GW pumped hydro energy storage project in Queensland, Australia, progresses

LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit
Facebook
Email
The pumped hydro energy storage system will be located at Lake Borumba (above). Image: Queensland Hydro.

Queensland Hydro has launched a public consultation phase for its 2GW Borumba Pumped Hydro Project in Australia.

The pumped hydro energy storage system (PHES) will be located at Lake Borumba, near Imbil, west of the Sunshine Coast, and is targeting first power in 2030.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Enjoy 12 months of exclusive analysis

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Annual digital subscription to the PV Tech Power journal
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

It will cost around AUS$14.2 billion (US$9.6 billion) to develop and build. In June 2023, the Queensland government revealed that it would provide AUS$6 billion in funding for the project.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) has now opened, inviting community members to indicate their interest in one of three initiatives. This includes joining the reformed stakeholder reference group, participating in one of the newly established focus groups, or serving on the community benefits panel.

A community benefits framework has also been confirmed for the project. Due to be finalised later this year, the framework includes an initial AUS$5 million funding package to deliver local mountain bike and walking trails.

Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack said earlier this year community feedback was sought on how to best deliver lasting, positive benefits through its programs and initiatives.

“We care about our communities and stakeholders and want them to have a say in the process to shape our proposed projects,” Cusack said.

“We’ll work closely and transparently with the community to honour the diverse perspectives and local knowledge they bring. We want to be good neighbours, and this means listening to local communities so we can co-design our projects with their input.”

Queensland’s largest PHES

Queensland is set to become home to numerous PHES projects. The state is looking to provide a flexible solution as its grid continues to integrate renewable energy into its mix as coal-fired power plants are withdrawn.

In June 2023, the state’s largest PHES project, the 5GW Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project, which would offer long-duration energy storage (LDES) over a 24-hour discharge duration, awarded key contracts to progress its development.

Read Next

May 21, 2025
Regulators in Germany are considering two big reforms that could improve the business case for BESS, while developer-operator Green Flexibility has announced its first major project.
May 21, 2025
Commissioning has commenced on the 111MW/285MWh Templers battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Australia.
May 21, 2025
Delivering on its 2025 election pledge, Australia’s Labor government has announced it will introduce the Cheaper Home Batteries Program from 1 July 2025.
Premium
May 20, 2025
ESN Premium speaks with Chloe Hicks of EnergyCo about New South Wales’ Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) and its hopes for energy storage.
May 20, 2025
Origin Energy has submitted an 800MWh wind-plus-storage project in New South Wales to Australia’s EPBC Act.

Most Popular

Email Newsletter