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WATCH: TBM assembled on Snowy 2.0

Snowy 2.0

Snowy 2.0 is a renewable energy project that will provide on-demand energy and large-scale storage in the Snowy Mountains, New South Wales. 

It is the largest committed renewable energy project in Australia that will underpin the nation’s transition to a low-carbon future. 

The project involves the development of a new underground power station around 1 km below ground, as well as the linking of two existing dams – Tantangara and Talbingo – through 27 km of tunnels. 

 

Hydroelectricity is generated when falling water spins giant turbines. 

Water will be pumped to the upper dam where there is surplus renewable energy production, and then released back into the lower dam to generate energy. 

Snowy 2.0 will provide flexible, on-demand power while recycling the water in a closed loop and maximise the efficiency of renewables by using excess solar and wind energy to pump water to the higher dam, to be stored for later use.

Company Snowy Hydro is leading the project and has begun assembling a giant TBM ‘Florence’ ready to excavate a 16 km headrace tunnel.

Most of the 27 km of tunnel on the project will be excavated by TBM, with the concrete segment-lined tunnels reaching 10 m in diameter. 

The company achieved an exciting milestone this week with the commissioning of a second TBM. 

The 11 m diameter TBM ‘Kirsten’ is one of three TBMs that will excavate the tunnels for the pumped-hydro expansion. 

Snowy Hydro chief executive  Paul Broad said Snowy 2.0 was creating 4,000 jobs and significant training and apprenticeship opportunities for workers, while providing a major economic boost for the Snowy Mountains region and beyond.

“Our first TBM, the Lady Eileen Hudson, is already a kilometre into the mountain excavating the main access tunnel and now we have TBM Kirsten continuing the tunnelling and construction progress for this amazing project,” Broad said. 

“Our growing workforce of almost 1,400 includes hundreds of people from the local region and we have invested more than $70 million with local businesses so far.” 

The company is working with principal contractor, Future Generation Joint Venture, to deliver the Snowy 2.0 Rebuild Clough. 

First power generated from Snowy 2.0 is expected early 2025.

For more information visit the Snowy Hydro website. 

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