Pumped hydro power storage: 185 possible sites in SA, which could secure electricity supply
EXCLUSIVE: The state’s electricity supply could be secured without a new interconnector by adopting pumped hydro storage technology, according to researchers.
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SOUTH Australia’s electricity supply could be secured without building a new interconnector if the state adopts pumped hydro storage technology, according to researchers helping to develop options for the nation’s energy future.
A team of experts commissioned by the Federal Government has identified 185 sites in SA suitable for hydro power energy projects, similar to the one planned for the expanded Snowy Mountains Scheme.
The off-river sites identified for possible future consideration include one at Horsnell Gully near Burnside and several near Port Augusta and Port Pirie.
The hydro technology involves pumping water uphill to a storage reservoir from where it can be rapidly released to generate large volumes of electricity.
Lead researcher Professor Andrew Blakers, of the Australian National University’s Research School of Engineering, said pumped hydro would help make the power grid more sustainable and secure.
SA projects could lead to the shelving of proposals for the state to import electricity from NSW or Queensland via a new interconnector.
“It would eliminate the need to build a new interconnector, although I think South Australia probably would still build a new interconnector to export wind power,’’ Professor Blakers said.
“All the potential sites in South Australia are outside national parks and urban areas, and like all hydro power, can go from zero to full power very quickly.’’
Federal Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg said renewable storage technologies, such as pumped hydro and batteries, would play a key role in securing the national energy network.
“The Government is also looking at further hydro-electricity and pumped storage opportunities in
Tasmania, the Upper Spencer Gulf in South Australia and Kidston in Queensland,’’ Mr Frydenberg said.
The identified sites require further investigation and some may prove to be unsuitable. SA was the first state surveyed by the researchers, who are now looking for possible pump hydro sites in Queensland.
The ANU researchers had previously found that pump hydro storage technology could produce electricity more cheaply than gas and coal-fired power stations.
Off-river pump hydro storage requires pairs of reservoirs in hilly terrain which can be joined by a pump with a pump and turbine.
A report released yesterday revealed Australia’s biggest battery, temporary diesel generators and every power station in the state would need to work in tandem to prevent blackouts in SA this summer.
Mr Frydenberg said the Australian Energy Market Operator report confirmed SA was the most vulnerable state in the National Electricity Market.
“The gas supply guarantee obtained by the Turnbull Government, and being implemented by AEMO, will ensure that gas power stations can get the gas they need during peak periods,’’ Mr Frydenberg said.
The State Government has blamed tight electricity supplies on Federal Government policies.
