The Borumba pumped hydro energy project in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, being delivered by public energy company Queensland Hydro, has taken a critical step in delivering the key clean energy project, this week opening Expressions of Interest (EOI) for underground works.
The EOI for Underground Works marks the first step in the most significant program to be delivered during the exploratory works phase of the project.
Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said: “This next phase of works on the Borumba Pumped Hydro project shows how committed Queensland Hydro and the Palaszczuk Government are to delivering this key clean energy project.
“As the cornerstone of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, our pumped hydro projects will ensure Queensland remains on track to meeting its renewable energy targets, while ensuring we can continue to put ongoing downward pressure on electricity bills for years to come.”
The package will involve the excavation of soil and rock utilising controlled blast and drilling methods, rather than tunnel boring machine, to form a D-shaped tunnel leading to the proposed site of the underground powerhouse cavern.
This tunnelling will complement surface geological investigations, which together will provide a detailed understanding of ground conditions to inform detailed design of the project and how it is best delivered.
The works will be accompanied by the required environmental approvals and once complete, the excavated tunnel will be repurposed to become a permanent cable tunnel.
The EOI release follows the Coordinator-General’s coordinated project declaration on 12 October 2023, signalling the start of the rigorous assessment of social, economic and environmental matters before the Borumba Project’s Main Works can begin.
The first of the Queensland government’s two foundational hydropower energy storage projects, the 2000 megawatts Borumba project will charge up from excess wind and solar generated in the state’s south east to keep the lights on for up to two million households.
Once underway, the project’s main works will create more than 2,000 jobs during construction, and boost the regional economy by tens of millions.
Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack said the company will work with the successful contractor to maximise opportunities for local and Indigenous businesses and workers to be prepared for, and access opportunities on the exploratory works program.