News
22 November, 2024
A pumping tour for Somerset councillors
Somerset Regional Council councillors and senior management joined CleanCo for an educational tour of the Wivenhoe Pumped Storage Hydro Power Station (WPSHPS) on November 12.
The facility is a one-of-a-kind in Queensland and generates 570MW out of Wivenhoe Dam.
Water is pumped uphill from Wivenhoe Dam into Splityard Creek Dam, generally while solar output is high and supply is greater than demand.
The water is then stored until it is required to support energy generation during peak demand times.
Commissioned in 1984, the facility is celebrating its 40th anniversary and has become integral to balancing Queensland’s electricity grid.
Station operator CleanCo is a Queensland Government owned clean energy company.
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the tour was insightful and demonstrated the importance of the 40-year-old asset.
“As Australia adopts more renewable energy infrastructure, storage assets like pumped hydro will need to play their part,” Cr Wendt said.
“When there’s no sun or wind, we rely on assets like this to continue powering our homes, and it’s a privilege to have such an important facility in Somerset’s own backyard.”
Cr Wendt said it was amazing to see the sheer scale and power of the facility.
“We often take our energy for granted, so having an inside look at the WPSHPS was a really positive and eye-opening experience for our councillors and directors,” Cr Wendt said.
Wivenhoe Power Station Site Manager Herman Porter said having Somerset Councillors and Directors see the site firsthand “helps build a shared understanding” of the critical role the pump plays in powering Queensland.
“CleanCo is committed to building partnerships that benefit both the community and our mission to deliver reliable, clean energy for Queensland,” he said.
