Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro: A Model for Queensland's Clean Energy Future

Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro Power Station, Queensland’s first and only pumped hydro facility, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024. Since its commissioning in 1984, Wivenhoe has been a pivotal part of the state’s clean energy landscape, demonstrating the effectiveness and longevity of pumped hydro technology.

The facility is capable of generating 570MW of power, providing up to 10 hours of continuous clean energy. It plays a critical role in balancing the grid by storing excess energy generated by renewable sources, such as solar and wind, during the day. This stored energy can then be released during the evening peak, when renewable generation may be low or unavailable.

Owned and operated by CleanCo, a publicly owned energy provider, Wivenhoe is a vital component of Queensland's efforts to transition to a renewable energy future. The station not only contributes to reducing carbon emissions but also supports the grid’s reliability by providing a flexible and reliable energy source.

Looking forward, the success of Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro underscores the potential of larger pumped hydro projects to help Queensland achieve its Net Zero target by 2050. The development of further pumped hydro projects, including those at Borumba and Pioneer-Burdekin, is expected to play a significant role in meeting future energy demands with clean, sustainable solutions.

Wivenhoe’s 40-year milestone highlights the importance of pumped hydro as a reliable, long-term energy storage solution, showing the way for Queensland’s future energy transformation.

State
QLD