Ex-Coal Plant May Be Reborn As Clean Power For West Sydney

WaterNSW has reached agreement with ZEN Energy to investigate a major pumped hydro project in Western Sydney capable of powering half a million homes or almost 30 percent of Sydney households.

The project proposed by ZEN Energy would involve rehabilitating and repurposing a disused coal washery site near Nattai, above Lake Burragorang, 24 km upstream from the Warragamba Dam wall.

The proposed Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project will store energy during periods of surplus electricity generation, with the potential to deliver on-demand power for up to eight hours at peak times to 500,000 homes (around 1 gigawatt).

Under the agreement, ZEN Energy will get access to a small parcel of WaterNSW land during the feasibility and planning stage for what could be among the country’s largest pumped hydro projects.

It is estimated that the preliminary investigative stage could take four years and, if the project proceeds, create up to 1500 construction jobs and 80 ongoing operations roles, as well as generating millions of dollars for the local Wollondilly economy.

WaterNSW awarded the Australian-owned and operated energy retailer a development agreement following a competitive tender process, the fourth such agreement statewide under the WaterNSW Renewable Energy and Storage Program.

WaterNSW CEO Andrew George said the project was the latest milestone in partnering with the private sector to explore renewable energy opportunities on WaterNSW land and assets.

“While we are working to build a sustainable future, the most critical factor in considering this proposal is that the project does not impact catchment health or drinking water supply from Warragamba Dam at any time, during the investigation, construction, or operational phases,” Mr George said.

“WaterNSW has conducted an extensive water quality risk assessment on all aspects of the proposal and will continue to undertake such analyses regularly, as ZEN Energy progresses the proposal through the planning and approval processes.

“The project site is located 24 km upstream from the Warragamba dam wall at the former coal washery plant, that could now be repurposed for a role in the next generation of energy production.

“Some time ago WaterNSW recognised renewable energy as the way of the future, and the potential of our considerable land holdings as an opportunity to play a leading role in that clean energy future.

“Today’s announcement is the next stage in a process involving the NSW Government, WaterNSW, and the private sector, aimed at utilising our assets to bring maximum benefit to the people of NSW.

“This is an opportunity to not only assist the transition to a renewable energy power grid, but also to create jobs, support the local community, and generate revenue to put downward pressure on water bills.

“WaterNSW is continuing to assess sites across our land and asset portfolio to identify opportunities for similar projects.”

For more information visit: https://www.waternsw.com.au/water-services/renewable-energy-and-storage-program/Western-Sydney-Pumped-Hydro-Project/

• Topics:

• Environmental Issues
• Renewables