Following an 18 month competitive tender process, Snowy Hydro named the JV comprising Australian engineering company Clough and international tunnelling specialist Salini Impregilo as preferred tenderer for the civil works contract.
The Snowy 2.0 project will link the two existing Snowy Scheme dams, Tantangara and Talbingo, through underground tunnels and an underground power station with pumping capabilities.
The project will generate hydro power as water is recycled between the two dams to efficiently produce energy and make the most of the available water over an operating life of 70 years or more.
The project will involve underground excavation and tunnelling works between Tantangara and Talbingo at depths of up to 1 km; surface works for the intake-outlet structures, surge shaft, cable and ventilation portal sites; and supporting works for upgrading access tracks, roads and electricity connections to construction sites.
Snowy Hydro also named Voith Hydro as preferred electrical and mechanical tenderer and contracted Leed Engineering for exploratory works during pre-construction activities.
The contracts are currently being finalised, with contract execution subject to shareholder approval of the project.
The first power generated from Snowy 2.0 is expected in late 2024.
For more information visit the Snowy Hydro website.
If you have a project you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Assistant Editor Chloe Jenkins at cjenkins@gs-press.com.au