Storage benefits of pumped hydro will put Tasmania in power position

Innovative power production, transmission and storage through pumped hydro developments can help Tasmania rebound from the economic blow delivered by COVID-19, a white paper shows.

DEEP storage – it may not be a term many Tasmania’s know but it is what will set this state apart as Australia’s energy sector continues to transform.

Coal plants are being retired and renewable energy projects are taking over. And Tasmania is in a unique position to produce, store and export power to the mainland to manage uncertainty in the power system.

A new white paper released today by Hydro Tasmania shows the production, storage and transmission of power across Bass Strait can form a major part of Tasmania’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Battery of the Nation project director Chris Gwynne says energy storages that can operate over many hours provide the best and cheapest back up system for the nation’s energy market.

“The work released today supports that view,” Mr Gwynne said.

“For a couple of years now the energy market has been realising the value of storage.

“Batteries can store energy for about four to 5 hours but the deep storage provided by pumped hydro allows power to stored in gravity for 12 to 14 hours.”

Work to develop pumped hydro in Tasmania is underway with three sites being short-listed and a final decision pencilled in for next year.

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Its development relies on the Marinus Link – which will provide a second interconnector cable across Bass Strait – being built.

Hydro Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Steve Davy said the new white papers supported the long-term value of Battery of the Nation.

“Our latest analysis shows that Tasmania has the deep storage the future market needs, and we can deliver new energy supply at costs lower than other known market options,” he said.

“Combining our significant hydropower and pumped hydro capacity with low cost wind and solar gives Tasmania a strong competitive advantage.

“These projects will make an important contribution to the state’s renewable energy target

of producing 200 per cent of current needs by 2040. This objective will see Tasmania double its renewable production.

“The green light for the state’s first pumped hydro development and more interconnection will mean a huge injection of investment and jobs to Tasmania.”

Work at the three prospective sites – all on Tasmania’s West Coast – is continuing despite the complications associated with the coronavirus.

It is providing support for the regional economy and Tasmanian suppliers and contractors.

“We’ve put all necessary COVID-19 measures in place to ensure we can keep our people and the community safe, while we progress this on-the-ground work,” Mr Davy said.