2021
We know that moving away from fossil fuels to renewable energy is good and necessary and can deliver us cheaper, cleaner electricity. But how can we ensure renewable energy is ready on demand? We require reliable ways to store and release the energy when its most needed.
CWPH is a State Significant Development in the Central West of NSW, on Wiradjuri Country, strategically located close to transmission lines between the Sydney load centre and the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. It has good access to initial fill and operational water requirements, requires no major tunnelling and is expected to have minimal environmental and heritage impacts.
Establishes local biodiversity stewardship sites and rehabilitates community waterways
Infrastructure upgrades, local employment and long-term community partnership through a shared benefit fund
Stable and reliable storage of electricity from renewable sources
Unlocks more renewables which displaces fossil fuel generation
The key elements of pumped hydro include two reservoirs, at two different elevations, joined together by a pipe (penstock), with a pump and a turbine. Water is circulated between the upper and lower reservoirs which generates and stores energy.
Our Project will use energy to pump water to the upper reservoir during periods when there tends to be surplus energy in the grid – such as when solar and wind are generating – and then releases the water to the lower reservoir through a turbine to generate electricity when it is needed on demand.
The daily cycling between the upper and lower reservoirs will generate enough energy to power over 153,000 homes, providing some 200 jobs during construction and 30 local jobs on an ongoing basis.
We are still in the planning phase of the Project, commonly referred to as pre-Financial Investment Decision, or pre-FID as we call it. This period is crucial. We are refining the design of the Project, and ensuring we meet every regulatory requirement. We continue to consult with all our stakeholders in government, industry and the community to inform and shape the Project.
These types of storage facilities and services will become increasingly important as coal-fired power stations retire in NSW.
ATCO’s philosophy is to give back to the communities where we live and work.
We are focussed on supporting community groups and developing relationships during this early phase of the Project, which will benefit people for years to come.
ATCO is committed to providing information and regular updates as they become available. To access PDF documents about the site's progress, important information and community updates, please bookmark this page for easy access.
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Overview
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Timeline
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