Twin Hills Engineering, Water2Wire given Qld hydro scheme contracts

Two Qld businesses have snagged the first contracts for the world’s largest pumped hydro scheme, a project set to put the region at the centre of state’s renewable energy transformation.

Queensland Hydro chief executive officer Kieran Cusack standing by the radial gates at the Snowy Hydro Jindabyne Dam in NSW where he was formerly area manager. ​

A family business with deep roots in Mackay had snagged one of the first contracts for the world’s largest pumped hydro scheme set to put the region at the centre of Queensland’s renewable energy transformation.

The announcement comes just days after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk officially opened a Mackay-based office for the project on Friday.

Alligator Creek’s Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling has been announced as the successful tender for the six-month geotechnical shallow drilling program that will inform the $12bn Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project design and be a fundamental part of its development.

The company’s managing director Stephen Burt, who employs more than 100 staff, said he was delighted to be a part of the project.

“Our program will be performed by local workers with local families supporting the local community,” he said.

This success come off the back of the business’s 10-year milestone.

“It’s great to finally get the chance to work on a local project and to prove that Mackay companies can match it on the national stage – we’re over the moon about working with Queensland Hydro,” Mr Burt said.

Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Map. Picture: Queensland Hydro

The Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project is expected to generate 5GW of power and underpins a $62bn push towards renewable generation by 2035 as part of the Energy and Jobs Plan.

The ambitious scheme, which some community members and residents have already condemned, will deliver more than 3000 jobs during construction and is tipped to be the world’s biggest pumped hydro energy storage.

Queensland-based joint venture Water2Wire, which has a strong presence in Mackay, was also named as a successful proponent for the projects Front-End Engineering and Design.

“Water2Wire is … excited to have the opportunity to play an important role in helping to shape the energy future for Queensland, through a project that is a cornerstone of the landmark Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan,” director Craig Berry said.

“With Water2Wire‘s expertise and Queensland Hydro’s leadership, we are confident that this project will succeed, providing jobs and contributing significantly to the Queensland economy.”

Water2Wire is a joint venture between GHD, Mott MacDonald and Stantec and will determine the technical specifications, schedule, and cost parameters for the project.

Queensland Hydro chief executive Kieran Cusack. Source: Supplied

Queensland Hydro chief executive officer Kieran Cusack said Water2Wire would “he a great asset to this project” with their recent work on high-profile projects like Borumba and Kidston and their collective expertise in delivering pumped hydro projects around the world.

“We’re also delighted to be working with a local family business employing local workers has been awarded the first geotech drilling contract for Queensland Hydro’s Pioneer-Burdekin project,” Mr Cusack said.

A detailed feasibility report is expected to be released in 2024.

Also pegged for the Pioneer Valley is the $6.5bn Capricornia Energy Hub which proposes to install new solar, wind, and pumped hydro infrastructure into once concentrated area west of Eungella.