Origin Energy bets big on renewables with Shoalhaven hydro-electric upgrade

Threatened native species such as the greater glider and gang-gang cockatoo are in the firing line again amid plans to almost double the output of an ageing renewable power plant in NSW.

The endangered greater glider is among 10 species whose habitats Origin Energy claims could be impacted by a planned expansion of its Shoalhaven hydro-electric plant. Picture: Adam Head

An ambitious upgrade to the ageing Shoalhaven hydroelectric power plant could soon result in more homes than ever receiving power from renewable energy.

But plans suggest it would strip 10 threatened animal species of much-needed habitat.

First operational in the mid-1970s, the Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Scheme has long been a feature of Kangaroo Valley area, supplying both water and hydro-electric power to homes and businesses throughout Sydney and the state’s south coast.

Almost 50 years on, operator Origin Energy now plans to almost double the plant’s electric output with a wide-reaching upgrade to the site, including new tunnels, above and below ground piping, and other facilities.

“The project will address the broadly identified need for long-duration energy storage required to facilitate the decarbonisation of the Australian electricity system by facilitating greater penetration of variable energy sources,” plans submitted to the NSW Government state.

Plans for a dramatic upgrade of the Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Scheme. Picture: Origin Energy

“This will require the construction and operation of a new pumped hydroelectric power station involving water transfer between two existing reservoirs at Fitzroy Falls and Lake Yarrunga.

“Water will be pumped up approximately 612m from Lake Yarrunga, consuming electricity when demand is low. Electricity would then be generated through the return of water from Fitzroy Falls Reservoir when demand for electricity increases.”

Origin Energy claims any environmental impacts from the project, which is adjacent to Morton National Park, will be mitigated by co-locating above-ground pipes opposite existing infrastructure.

First operational in the mid-1970s, the Shoalhaven Pumped Hydro Scheme has long been a feature of Kangaroo Valley area, supplying both water and hydro-electric power to homes and businesses throughout Sydney and the state’s south coast. Picture: Origin Energy

But the plans highlight the need for developers to remove nearby habitat.

“The project would result in the direct removal of about 29.5ha of native vegetation,” the documents state.

“That includes about 0.23ha of a threatened ecological community, which is listed under both the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2018 and Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

“The removal of this vegetation would also have direct impacts on 10 threatened species.”

A gang-gang cockatoo at Healesville Sanctuary.

Species at risk of being directly impacted by the project include the endangered gang-gang cockatoo – which use the area for breeding – and greater glider, as well as the littlejohn frog and giant burrowing frog.

Pygmy possums and bats are also believed to be at risk.

Earlier this year, the Federal Government declared the greater glider – the largest marsupial glider – at risk of extinction, following years of deforestation and the fallout from the Black Summer fires.

As much as 29.5ha of land will be cleared during work on the Shoalhaven hydro-electric plant, including for further access roads. Picture: Origin Energy

The listing reignited calls to end native logging in NSW.

Meanwhile, efforts have been ramped up in the Eurobodalla, south of Shoalhaven, to record and protect gang-gang cockatoos.

Both species were highlighted in the much-delayed State of the Environment report released earlier this year.

Origin Energy plans to almost double the Shoalhaven hydro-electric plant’s electric output with a wide-reaching upgrade to the site, including new tunnels, above and below ground piping, and other facilities. Picture: Origin Energy

“Commonwealth-listed threatened ecological communities and species have been positively identified within the project area, or are considered to have a moderate or high likelihood of occurring in the project area due to the presence of suitable habitat,” the documents state.

“Further, the project has potential to result in indirect and prescribed biodiversity impacts, namely potential transportation of weeds, potential impacts to water quality at receiving waterways and potential increase in vehicle strikes on resident fauna during construction.

“But, with clearing limited to edges of existing disturbance, long term edge effects would be similar to existing.”

Nonetheless, Origin urged for the project to be approved, claiming in its submission that the energy supplier would provide “appropriate” environmental offsets where impacts on biodiversity could not be “avoided or minimised”.

Origin claims a strategy to meet its offset obligation will be developed post-approval and would consider a range of options, including direct payment into the Biodiversity Conservation Trust Fund and seeking like-for-like credits from the offset market.

The submission comes amid a renewed interest among State and Federal Governments in renewable energy.

Swathes of the Illawarra coast, as well as Eden on the state’s far south coast, have been earmarked for future wind-powered energy projects.

The Shoalhaven hydro scheme is on exhibition at the NSW Government website until December 6.

Originally published as Origin Energy bets big on renewables with Shoalhaven hydro-electric upgrade