Mackay pumped hydro project expected to “create thousands of jobs”
A NEW pumped hydro project planned for Mackay could be the largest in the world and is expected to create thousands of jobs and invest in the local economy, says government officials.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said, “The Pioneer-Burdekin mega project, west of Mackay could be the largest pumped hydro project in the world, with potential generation capacity 2.5 times that of Snowy 2.0.
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“It has the potential to deliver up to 5GW for 24 hours or 120GWh, given the favourable topography of the area.
“That’s 617 times larger than South Australia’s Hornsdale battery and 20 times larger than Wivenhoe.
“The high-quality wind and solar resources across North Queensland means it could also unlock large volumes of renewable energy capacity for local industry.
“This makes the region even more attractive for global investment in emerging industries like green hydrogen, green metals and manufacturing,” the Premier said.
In Mackay, the Premier discussed a new publicly owned entity – Queensland Hydro – to progress the project.
A cornerstone of the landmark Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan includes progressing the development of the project.
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Assistant Minister for Health and Regional Health Infrastructure and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan would be a jobs bonanza for the region.
“This plan forecasts over $7 billion in additional renewable energy investment in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays region by 2040, adding to the $1.5 billion invested in the region since 2016.
“This plan will leverage our existing investments in the Mackay Manufacturing Hub and the Mackay Resources Centre, as well as the Commonwealth-funded Mackay Electric Vehicle and Energy Training Centre at the Central Queensland Mackay Ooralea campus.
“The abundant renewable resources nearby also mean that existing mining operations can decarbonise and be globally competitive well into the future.
“The ports at Abbot Point, Mackay and Hay Point are already attracting interest from early movers who recognise their potential for hydrogen storage and export,” she said.
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Energy and Procurement Minister Mick de Brenni said the project, proposed to be constructed well clear of protected areas, also offered significant supply chain and economic opportunities for the greater Mackay region.
“There’ll be a huge pipeline of work from concreting to catering, logistics to landscaping, and refuse to roadworks–that’s all before building the powerhouse itself.
“Our Buy Queensland procurement initiative ensures that our investments drive economic, environmental, and social outcomes that benefit local economies.
“It’s a policy that will keep taxpayer dollars circulating in the Mackay region, creating jobs and investing in the local our economy,” he said.
Queensland Hydro will conduct further studies and deliver a detailed assessment of the Pioneer-Burdekin project to the government in 2024.
This will include consultation with traditional owners and the community, hydrological modelling and assessment of environmental and social impacts, as well as commercial and financial modelling.
Queensland Hydro will also continue to investigate other large-scale, long-duration pumped hydro sites in the event the project is unable to proceed.
