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17 September, 2024 · 4 MIN READ

Water2Wire JV awarded two contracts for Borumba Pumped Hydro Project dams design.

Queensland Hydro awards dams design contracts to Water2Wire JV for the proposed 2,000MW Borumba Pumped Hydro Project.

  • Queensland Hydro has awarded Water2Wire JV two contracts for Dams Design for the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project.
  • The two contracts – one for the upper reservoir and one for the lower reservoir – will see Water2Wire provide dams design engineering services across both reservoirs. The value of both contracts is $40 million.
  • The $14.2 billion Borumba Project is a 2,000 MW pumped hydro energy storage scheme located west of the Sunshine Coast designed to provide energy stability and reliability as Queensland transitions to renewable energy.
  • The Borumba Project will require seven dams and two spillways in total across the two reservoirs. Six for the greenfield upper reservoir, and one new dam wall downstream from the existing Borumba Dam.

Queensland Hydro has appointed Water2Wire Joint Venture (JV) as the Dams Designer Delivery Partner for the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project, in a move that will bring together significant Australian and international design capability to the project team.

Water2Wire is a joint venture between leading engineering and design firms GHD, Mott MacDonald and Stantec, and was created to develop pumped hydro across the state.

As Dams Designer Delivery Partner, Water2Wire JV will be responsible for leading the engineering and design for the Project’s seven proposed dams: six new dams to form a new upper reservoir, and one new dam wall and spillway immediately downstream from the existing Borumba Dam. The replacement dam wall will see Lake Borumba increase its capacity providing security to the proposed energy storage scheme.

Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack said Water2Wire had proven global experience that will be used to deliver the Borumba reservoirs, and they shared the desire to deliver safe and reliable reservoirs for this once in a generation infrastructure project.

“Water2Wire has consistently shown their expertise in delivering world-class hydropower and dam projects, including the Kidston PHES and many projects abroad. The three companies of the joint venture will bring their significant dams and hydro design experience to our Borumba Project and we are excited to be partnering with them,” Mr Cusack said.

“Pumped hydro is unquestionably the right technology to enable Queensland’s clean energy transition. Our Borumba Pumped Hydro Project will provide essential energy storage and play a big role in decarbonising the energy system, while creating thousands of jobs and a boost to the local economy.”

Attributed to Mark Cordell, Water2Wire Borumba Pumped Hydro Project Director and Market Leader, Dams and Hydropower, Stantec

“The Water2Wire joint venture is honoured to be selected as Dams Designer for the Upper and Lower Borumba Dams, bringing global expertise to this local project,” added Mark Cordell, Water2Wire Borumba Pumped Hydro Project Director and Market Leader, Dams and Hydropower, Stantec. 

“In addition, many of our Water2Wire team live and work regionally, which will help build knowledge and deliver lasting benefits to local communities, as well as the wider economy.

“We’re excited and ready to partner with Queensland Hydro on the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project, a milestone moment in the state’s transition towards a renewable energy future.”  

Attributed to Peter Josey, Major Projects Director Australia, Mott MacDonald

"Together with our partners, we are incredibly excited to leverage our engineering expertise to support the delivery of this landmark project. It is fantastic to be involved in a project that will play a major role in supporting Queensland's carbon reduction goals. Our Water2Wire joint venture looks forward to working alongside Queensland Hydro to help create an important legacy for the local region."

Attributed to Craig Berry, Water2Wire Joint Venture representative and Operations Manager South Queensland, GHD

“We are thrilled to continue Water2Wire’s long-standing and esteemed partnership with Queensland Hydro to collaboratively deliver the Borumba Pumped Hydro Dams and scheme, ensuring sustainable renewable energy infrastructure, lasting benefits and opportunities for Queensland.”

More information  

This package of works is for the main works phase, where most of the construction for the proposed $14.2 billion pumped hydro energy storage project will take place. Main works are scheduled to commence in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Queensland Hydro is currently undertaking studies as part of an Environmental Impact Statement.

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Queensland Hydro: [email protected]

Water2Wire: Kirill Reztsov, Global Communications Advisor, GHD; [email protected]

Click here for more information on the Borumba Project.

Suppliers can register their interest for these packages via Gateway by ICN.

First published 17 September 2024.

L-R: Peter Josey - Mott MacDonald, Major Projects Director Australia; David Watt - Queensland Hydro, EGM Commercial; Craig Berry - GHD, Operations Manager, South Queensland; Kieran Cusack - Queensland Hydro, CEO; Roz Bird - GHD, Operations Manager & Mark Cordell - Stantec, Sector Lead - Hydropower and Dams.
Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack signing the Dams Designer contracts with representatives from the Water2Wire joint venture.