Borumba Pumped Hydro Project

Queensland Hydro is progressing a long-duration pumped hydro energy storage project at Lake Borumba.

Borumba

About the Project

The proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is a 2,000 MW pumped hydro energy storage system at Lake Borumba, located near Imbil, west of the Sunshine Coast. The Borumba site was identified more than 40 years ago as having significant potential for a pumped hydro scheme.

Pumped hydro is an energy storage system that moves water between reservoirs to generate power.

The Project proposes to expand the existing lower reservoir (Lake Borumba) with a new dam downstream from the current Borumba Dam. A second reservoir, known as the upper reservoir, will be constructed at a higher altitude. An underground power station and underground tunnels will be constructed to link the two reservoirs together.

The proposed Borumba Project will provide reliable renewable energy that can power homes and businesses all across Queensland, while at the same time providing crucial stability for our future electricity grid.

Learn more about pumped hydro

Project status

In June 2023, the Queensland Government announced $6 billion in funding to progress the Project.

The Borumba Project is currently undergoing early works onsite while Queensland Hydro seeks important regulatory approvals. The Project is designed to be delivered in two stages: exploratory works and main works, with exploratory works to occur first. More information about the stages can be found below.

We’re committed to engaging openly and transparently with our communities. Click on the links below to find our latest works updates, and a full list of past and current works notifications for the Borumba Project.

Latest works update

All works notifications

Borumba Project exploratory works draft preliminary documentation open for public comment

From Friday 14 February 2025 until 5:00pm on Friday 14 March 2025, you’ll be able to have your say on the draft preliminary documentation as part of the Commonwealth regulatory approval process for exploratory works 

The draft preliminary documentation includes a description of the action, the existing environment, the assessment of the impacts of the proposed exploratory works and the strategies we have undertaken and are proposing to undertake to avoid, minimise and mitigate impacts.

Click on the link below to find out more and how to make a submission.

Learn more

Exploratory works stage

Exploratory works allows us to complete detailed design of the scheme, including ensuring the proposed locations for the infrastructure are suitable. Exploratory works are critical activities that will confirm geotechnical conditions and characteristics of the Borumba Project site, building on the vast knowledge we’ve gathered throughout the investigations stage.

Queensland Hydro is required to seek approvals from the Queensland and Commonwealth governments before commencing exploratory works. The primary Queensland approvals were secured in September 2024.

We are also progressing regulatory approvals under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) for the Borumba Project’s proposed exploratory works phase.

As part of this process, we have been directed by the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to provide draft preliminary documentation of the proposed works for their assessment and to open a period of public comment. The public comment period is currently open.

Exploratory works approvals

Main works stage

The main works stage of the Borumba Project relates to the construction of the infrastructure required to operate the scheme, such as the reservoirs, tunnels and an underground power station.

Queensland Hydro is seeking separate approvals for these works, which will be assessed through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

On Friday 16 August 2024, the Queensland Coordinator-General released the final Terms of Reference for the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project’s main works Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Queensland Hydro is currently compiling the documentation required to meet the criteria set out in the Terms of Reference.

You’re part of our process

Stakeholder engagement is a key priority for us to ensure we deliver the best outcomes for both Queensland as a whole and the local communities.

Our goal is to involve, collaborate, and empower stakeholders and stakeholders groups across all aspects of the Borumba pumped hydro project. We believe in creating connections, and working in a respectful, responsive, transparent and genuine manner.

To meet the Terms of Reference for our main works Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Queensland Hydro has developed stakeholder consultation plans, to ensure our engagement program is tailored to meet the needs of the community, and is in accordance with regulatory requirements and guidelines, as set out by the State Government.

An overarching EIS Stakeholder Consultation Plan and supplementary EIS Stakeholder Consultation Sub-Plan are available to view here.

Borumba Overarching EIS Stakeholder Consultation Plan Borumba EIS Stakeholder Consultation Sub-Plan

Hydro studies summary report available

The Department of Energy and Climate has released the Hydro Studies Summary report, summarising the government’s investigations into energy storage through their Queensland Hydro Study.

The report explains why pumped hydro is needed in Queensland’s future energy system and outlines the investigations and studies that led to Borumba being selected as a potential site for pumped hydro.

Queensland Hydro is committed to being transparent with our project communities. Our projects, if approved, will deliver a stable and reliable electricity supply for all Queenslanders as we transition to renewable energy.

The government report is available on the Department of Energy and Climate website. Click here to access it.

Questions about the report should be directed to the Department via [email protected]

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Business opportunities

Our projects will require the expertise of a wide range of suppliers and contractors.

Expressions of interest (EOI), tenders and other opportunities to the market will be released via the QTender portal.