Major tender for dams designer now open for Borumba Pumped Hydro Project.
Proponents encouraged to submit a response through QTenders by 29 March 2024.
The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project looks to the next stage as Queensland Hydro announces a Dams Designer Request for Proposal (RFP).
The Dams Designer RFP follows on from existing front-end engineering design (FEED) investigations completed as part of the Detailed Analytical Report (DAR). The DAR was submitted to the Queensland Government in March 2023. In June 2023, the Queensland Government committed $6 billion to progress the Project.
Project Director Leah McKenzie said that detailed design is critical in the development of the proposed clean energy project, with interested proponents encouraged to submit a response by 29 March 2024.
“If approved, the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project will be a cornerstone of Queensland’s transition to renewable energy, providing safe and reliable energy when it’s needed most.
“The Project design includes seven dams, including a new dam to replace the existing Borumba Dam at Lake Borumba and expand the lower reservoir, and six dams to form an upper reservoir.
“Building on the work conducted during our initial investigations, we will be seeking to better understand the geological and geotechnical conditions of the proposed dam locations.”
Proponents can submit a response through QTenders by searching for CONBUR0358RFPReg.
Ms McKenzie emphasised that the construction work would not begin without environmental approvals in place.
“We’ll be working proactively with the successful Design Partner/s to ensure the dams meet the highest possible standards for safety, environmental protection and reliability.”
Ms McKenzie also said the Project would have significant opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.
“The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project will be a game-changer for the state, and Queensland Hydro are committed to genuinely engaging with local and Indigenous businesses. Due consideration of local benefits will be undertaken as part of the assessment of RFP responses.
“We’ve been working with industry to ensure we can attract the best partners for the project while creating real opportunities for local and Indigenous businesses. We’re adopting best practice principles and local benefits test from the Queensland Procurement Policy 2023, which includes provision of apprenticeship and training opportunities, and a commitment to local buying and local job creation.”
If you’re a local or Indigenous business interested in working with the Principal Contractor/s on this package, check out our Suppliers page for more information.
About the project
The proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is a long-duration pumped hydro energy storage system being developed at Lake Borumba and surrounding areas located in between Imbil, west of the Sunshine Coast, and Jimna in the Somerset region.
First published 14 February 2024.
Editorial Note: This news item was updated on 26 June 2025 to amend the description of the Project.