Major contract awarded for PIONEER-BURDEKIN PUMPED HYDRO

The Queensland Government has awarded a major contract on the Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro energy storage project to a local family business from the Mackay region.

Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling was announced as the successful tender for the six-month geotechnical shallow drilling program, which will be used to inform the project design and will be a fundamental part of the development of this nation-building project.

Supporting more than 3,000 jobs during the peak of construction, the proposed scheme is expected to provide the world’s biggest pumped hydro energy storage with 5GW of clean, reliable, and affordable power supply and storage to Queenslanders over a 24-hour period.

Pumped Hydro Energy Storage is a proven technology that is a foundational investment in Queensland’s SuperGrid to provide 24/7 clean and reliable power.

The Pioneer-Burdekin project is proposed to generate 5000MW for 24 hours, equivalent to around half of the entire state’s peak usage.

Pumped hydro acts like a giant water battery:

• It uses electricity from the grid or nearby renewables to pump water from a lower reservoir into an upper reservoir when energy prices are low

• When energy is needed, water is released from the upper reservoir into the lower reservoir, generating energy as it passes through a turbine

• Hydroelectricity can be generated almost immediately and at any time, so power can be fed into the grid when it is needed

A Queensland-based joint venture with a strong presence in Mackay, Water2Wire was also announced as the successful proponent for the project’s Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED), as part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert, said this is an exciting major project for the region that will mean business opportunities for local companies and thousands of jobs for locals – whether it’s electricians and technicians, suppliers of building materials, or drillers and engineers like these two contracts.

“Pumped hydro energy storage and clean energy will provide another lane on Mackay’s industrial superhighway with thousands of locals who stand to benefit from it,” Ms Gilbert said.

Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni, said the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project is the cornerstone of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, and will be the largest pumped hydro scheme in the world.

“This mega pumped hydro project will act like a giant battery, and when connected to our Queensland SuperGrid, will underpin the reliability of our publicly owned grid by storing the energy generated by our renewable energy zones,” Mr de Brenni said

“The project is poised to offer hundreds of supply chain opportunities, and with application of the Palaszczuk Governments’ signature Buy Queensland Procurement Policy, local businesses like Twin Hills and Water2Wire will be the preferred project partners.

“It’s regions like Mackay that are at the centre of Queensland’s renewable energy transformation – which will unleash new industrial jobs in hydrogen, renewables, manufacturing, and critical minerals.”

Queensland Hydro CEO, Kieran Cusack, said with Water2Wire’s recent work on high-profile projects like Borumba and Kidston, and their collective expertise in delivering pumped hydro projects around the world, they will be a great asset to this project.

“We are looking forward to working with them on this worldclass project,” Mr Cusack said.

“We’re also delighted to be working with a local family business employing local workers that has been awarded the first geotech drilling contract for Queensland Hydro’s PioneerBurdekin project.”

$116.4 million has been allocated to the pre-construction activities of the Paradise Dam Improvement Project, which includes work to replace the dam’s irrigation valves.

These major dam improvement works will deliver long-term water security for the Bundaberg region by restoring the dam’s capacity and will improve the dam’s resilience against major flooding and extreme weather events.

This rebuild will support around 250 jobs during construction and will, once back to full operation, deliver significant flow-on benefits for local businesses and Bundaberg’s regional economy.

Federal Minister for Water, Tanya Plibersek, said water is one of our country’s most precious resources.

“The Albanese Labor Government knows how important rebuilding the Paradise Dam is to provide water security and drive economic growth in Queensland’s food bowl of Bundaberg,” Ms Plibersek said.

“That’s why we are investing $600 million towards the Paradise Dam Improvement Project.

“I look forward to continuing working in partnership with the Queensland Government to build a secure water future for all Queenslanders.”

Sunwater is progressing procurement, design development and approval activities to prepare for site mobilisation ahead of major construction commencing in late 2024. Outlet works to replace the dam’s irrigation valves are expected to be completed by August 2023.

Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said this is an investment in long-term water security and local jobs for regional Queensland.

“Rebuilding Paradise Dam will provide future certainty for local growers – as well as ensuring a safe and secure water supply across the region for generations,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This is one of the largest construction projects in the history of the Bundaberg region and it will ensure water security for the farmers, industry, and the broader community is safeguarded for decades to come.”

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick, said this complex infrastructure project delivered in a live operational environment is a major and vital undertaking.

“When completed the Paradise Dam Improvement Project will return the dam to its full 300,000ML capacity and will provide a safe, reliable and secure water supply to local agricultural, industrial and urban communities,” Mr Dick said.

“The strength of this year’s Budget gives us the ability to make the investments necessary to ensure Queensland’s continued prosperity.”

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, Glenn Butcher, said returning Paradise Dam to its original capacity and getting jobs on the ground for the region is a priority for the Queensland Government.

“This is why it is an important item in the Big Build, ensuring water security for the region.

“A rebuilt Paradise Dam is a vote of confidence for the farmers and industry in the Bundaberg and Burnett region – and it will undeniably unlock new economic opportunity,” Mr Butcher said.

Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith, said this is a critical step on the path to fixing Paradise Dam and one that will benefit and support local growers.

“We know that a reliable water supply is a key ingredient for continued growth and prosperity for our region – which is one of the most important food bowls in the country.

“I’m proud that Bundaberg workers will play an important role in delivering this project.”