Pumped Storage Hydro

EnergyAustralia beginning environmental studies for Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro

EnergyAustralia will commence technical and environmental studies for its proposed 335 MW Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Project, to be located near Lithgow in New South Wales. 

The commencement of work on the environmental impact statement (EIS) follows the release of the NSW Government’s Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEAR). 

Mike de Vink, EnergyAustralia’s Lake Lyell project director, said a team of experts will conduct in-depth studies over the next 12 months to identify the potential impacts of the project and mitigation measures.

“Specialists will be … analyzing biodiversity, aquatic ecology, Aboriginal heritage, social impact, water and climate effects, and more. We will also assess the project’s potential for creating local economic growth and job opportunities. The studies will … extend to understanding the movements of transitory and migratory animal species. Findings from these studies will guide our project team to ensure special consideration is given in project design and construction where necessary.

“Community engagement continues to be an essential part of the project and we will share the EIS and seek community input. Our recent relocation of the project’s upper reservoir, in response to visibility concerns raised by locals, demonstrates we are serious about listening to the Lithgow community. 

“Pumped hydro projects like this, together with large scale batteries, are what Australia needs to store the excess energy generated by renewables, as we move away from coal and towards a clean energy future.”

The Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Project will create 600 jobs during construction, EnergyAustralia said. The project has received funding from the government of New South Wales, Australia, under the NSW Pumped Hydro Recoverable Grants Program.

Final concept plans and the project’s EIS are expected to be exhibited around mid-2024.