The multi-billion dollar Snowy Hydro expansion - more commonly known as Snowy 2.0 - is moving forward with a number of contractors appointed to deliver various works on the project following an 18-month competitive tender process.
“This is another important step towards the commencement of the project. Snowy 2.0 is a world-leading pumped-hydro project that, with the existing Snowy Scheme, will underpin the stability of the energy market as more renewable energy enters the system,” Snowy Hydro said in a statement.
Snowy Hydro is currently finalising the contracts, with the contracts expected to be executed once Shareholder approval has been obtained.
The contractors appointed for the project include:
Future Generation, a joint venture between Clough and Salini Impreglio, who won the civil works contract
Voith Hydro who has been awarded the contract to deliver electrical and mechanical works
Leed Engineering with the contract to undertake exploratory works prior to construction
Clough CEO and Managing Director Peter Bennett stated: “We are extremely pleased with the award of this iconic project by Snowy Hydro Limited.”
Snowy 2.0 is set to connect the two existing Snowy Scheme dams - Tantangara and Talbingo - with underground tunnels as well as an underground power station that has the capability to pump.
In order to achieve this, the project will require underground excavation and tunneling works between the two existing dams with a depth of up to one kilometre.
The project will also require surface works at several locations - such as the intake-outlet structures, surge shaft, cable and ventilation portal sites.
Other works for the project will include establishing or upgrade of access roads and tracks as well as electrical connections to the construction sites.
Once Snowy 2.0 is up and operational, it is anticipated to add up to 2,000MW of generated energy and 175 hours of storage for the National Electricity Market (NEM).
The first generated power from Snowy 2.0 is expected to be delivered in 2024.
Snowy 2.0 is expected to be valued between $3.4 billion and $4.5 billion, with an estimated 5,000 jobs to be supported during its construction.
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Source: Snowy Hydro; Clough; Australian Financial Review; Hydro Review