Zen Energy has received approval from Australia's WaterNSW to assess the potential transformation of Sydney's primary water storage facility into a significant pumped hydro project, capable of generating 1 GW of on-demand power for up to eight hours.
The Adelaide-based renewable energy company aims to repurpose a disused coal washery site at Nattai, New South Wales, into a clean energy hub, offering essential electricity backup as the region transitions to renewable energy sources.
With plans to leverage the abundant water reserves of Lake Burragorang, Zen Energy's proposed Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project could provide critical support for renewable energy, serving the equivalent of 500,000 homes and businesses.
Pending approvals and community consent, construction could commence by 2027 at the Nattai site, approximately two hours southwest of Sydney, with operations slated for 2031.
Zen Energy's CEO, Anthony Garnaut, underscores the project's dual benefits of clean drinking water and renewable energy for Sydney residents, emphasizing the pivotal role of large-scale energy storage in maintaining grid stability amidst the retirement of coal-fired power stations.
The company commits to extensive community consultations and environmental assessments, assuring that initial studies show no adverse effects on water quality at Lake Burragorang and Warragamba Dam.
WaterNSW CEO Andrew George confirms the completion of a water-quality risk assessment for the proposed project, emphasizing measures to minimize water usage and ensure no impact on Sydney's water supply.
The collaboration with WaterNSW marks the fourth pumped hydro project under the corporation's Renewable Energy and Storage Program, highlighting the increasing importance of water storage in supporting renewable energy initiatives.
Should the Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project proceed, it is anticipated to generate around 1,500 construction jobs and 80 ongoing operational positions, further emphasizing its potential economic and environmental significance.
