Blowering, Burrendong, and Hume dams in New South Wales, Australia, have been shortlisted by WaterNSW as potential sites for new pumped storage projects.
The announcement follows pre-feasibility studies assessing WaterNSW’s 41 dams across the state for suitability, including terrain, geotechnical conditions, environmental factors, and grid connectivity.
“This announcement is an important milestone in identifying new sites at WaterNSW dams that could host more privately developed long-duration pumped hydro projects to support the State’s renewable energy transition,” WaterNSW Head of Major Projects Mark Roberts said.
He added: “It’s important to note the sites at Blowering, Burrendong and Hume dams have not been confirmed for development and more detailed studies are needed to confirm their potential viability. A small number of additional sites may be also added, once further pre-feasibility studies have been completed later this year.”
In the coming months, WaterNSW will conduct on-site studies at each shortlisted location, including geological surveys, environmental and cultural heritage checks, mapping, and discussions with local landholders.
The results of these studies will determine whether any of the sites move to a commercial tender process to select a project developer. Any future development will require environmental studies, community consultation, and formal government planning approvals.
WaterNSW said the work is part of its broader support for the NSW Government’s renewable energy and emissions reduction targets, while also aiming to diversify regional economies, create jobs, support local communities, and generate revenue to help reduce water costs for customers.
The Long Duration Storage Program builds on WaterNSW’s Renewable Energy and Storage Program, which includes projects in the Hunter Valley, at Burrendong Dam, and at Lake Burragorang. Combined, the new sites could add up to 5.2 GW of pumped hydro energy storage to the NSW market by 2034.
One existing project, ACEN Australia’s Phoenix Pumped Hydro at Burrendong Dam, has been awarded a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.
WaterNSW noted that all future projects would be privately owned and funded. Land would remain under WaterNSW ownership, and development would not affect water entitlements or water security. Community drop-in sessions will be held near the shortlisted sites to share information and gather local feedback.
