The agreement grants UHH the opportunity to investigate and design two pumped storage systems, potentially integrating wind energy, at Glenbawn and Glennies Creek on WaterNSW land. These projects are situated within the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, which is a vital region in enabling the transition to renewable energy by utilising exiting energy infrastructure, resources, and the skilled workforce.
Pumped storage hydropower is increasingly recognized as essential for delivering flexible, on-demand power to the grid as Australia shifts towards renewable energy sources.
“We are incredibly pleased to be assisting such a well credentialed client with this energy transition project,” commented Bob Tilbury, SMEC’s Senior Executive Director of Water + Environment. “Creating a secure renewable energy network is an urgent undertaking and SMEC brings our extensive technical expertise across renewable technologies to work alongside our partners at Lombardi.”
Lombardi Engineering Australia – Managing Director Fabian Sommer expressed his enthusiasm, stating: ‘We are thrilled to have been chosen, alongside our partner SMEC, as trusted advisors to Upper Hunter Hydro. We are eager to leverage our extensive experience in Australian and international hydropower, dams, and underground projects to ensure the successful delivery of this project.’
UHH Director, Malcolm Turnbull, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in achieving Australia's zero-emission energy goals. He stated: " Australia currently has all the tools to deliver a zero-emission energy reality. We don’t need to invent new technologies, we have all the resources we need; the one resource we don’t have is time. By deploying a mix of variable renewable energy including wind and solar, supported by pumped hydro storage it is possible to transition away from coal and meet our climate targets.
“We are excited to be moving forward with these critical projects, providing NSW with long duration energy storage, creating local jobs and lasting economic benefits to the Upper Hunter region,” Turnball added.
