Snowy Hydro has selected engineering firm SMEC to assist with the feasibility study of the proposed Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme expansion project (Snowy 2.0), the first major expansion of the scheme since its completion in 1974.
The feasibility study is to review existing proposals to expand pumped hydro storage on the scheme, many of which have existed since the 1960s. Under the most prospective proposal, up to 2000MW of hydroelectric energy could be added.
“This project has the potential to deliver one of the largest pumped hydro schemes in the world and underscores the importance of the Scheme’s existing role as the battery of the National Electricity Market,” commented Snowy Hydro CEO Paul Broad.
SMEC and Snowy Hydro have a long history, having worked together to develop the iconic 4100MW Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme under the auspices of the Snowy Mountains Hydro- Electric Authority, established in 1949.
SMEC CEO Andy Goodwin commented “Snowy Mountains are part of our namesake and the backbone of our heritage, so the chance to be involved in this project again is a unique 'twice-in-a-lifetime' opportunity, both for our organisation and those engineers who worked on the original scheme.
We're honoured to be part of the project and looking forward to resuming our presence within the Cooma community again."
As part of its commitment to the project, SMEC said it will reopen its offices in Cooma, which will see more than 30 people based permanently in the town.
