Toowoomba Regional Council advances hydro energy storage power plant plan at Cressbrook Dam
The Toowoomba Regional Council is working with a major Australian company to help deliver a new 400-megawatt hydro energy storage power plant at Cressbrook Dam.
Council
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A plan to create a massive hydro energy storage power plant in the Toowoomba region is being considered by the council.
BE Power has been invited by the Toowoomba Regional Council to enter the second stage of the TRC’s tender process for a new energy generation project.
The Australian company has signed an agreement with GE Renewable Energy to deliver the 400-megawatt project at Cressbrook Dam, dubbed the Big-T pumped hydro storage power plant.
According to the council, the storage would work like a battery to store energy at peak times, while excess energy would be used by TRC facilities.
Mayor Paul Antonio said the project offered several opportunities for the council, both economically and environmentally.
“The council is working closely with the proponent, BE Power, and is looking forward to further exploring the technical options in the second stage of the tender process and will be participating in workshops to provide information to continue with the preliminary design work,” he said.
“BE Power and the council will soon be looking to approach various state and federal government agencies regarding approvals.
“This is an exciting time for the project, with the council and BE Power keen to promptly progress the project to the next stage.”
Cr Antonio said if the project was successful, the council would provide access to land and water assets, while the company would provide the necessary infrastructure.
BE Power managing director Scott Walkem said it would be the first project of its kind completed in Queensland in more than 35 years.
“The Big-T Pumped Hydro Storage Power Plant will help facilitate new wind and solar projects and provide firming and grid support services at a critical point in the national energy market,” he said in a statement.
“Being the first new pumped hydro project completed in Queensland in over 35 years, the Big T will help balance the output of wind and solar across the market.”
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