Preparing the crucial front-end engineering design and detailed analysis

SMEC is engaged by Queensland Hydro as project advisor, managing and supporting the delivery of front-end engineering design and detailed analysis for the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Scheme. The engagement brings SMEC’s experience working across industry-leading pumped hydroelectric projects in Australia and globally to successfully support Queensland’s transition to a renewable energy system that will power communities long into the future.

The Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Scheme is an integrated energy and water brownfield development, encompassing the existing Lake Borumba as a lower reservoir.

Located near Imbil, in the southwest of the Gympie Region, Lake Borumba has been identified by Queensland Hydro as one of the best potential sites for long duration pumped hydro due to its proximity to a high-voltage electricity transmission network, existing dam infrastructure and location within the Southern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone.

Once delivered, the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project will support Australia’s target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, through powering up to two million Queensland homes with 2 GW of energy and 24 hours of storage capacity.

Following SMEC’s delivery of the concept study in 2021, the Detailed Analytical Report is currently underway with engineering, environmental, geological, hydrological and commercial studies being completed to assess the feasibility of the scheme. In addition, SMEC is preparing the crucial front-end engineering design and detailed analysis of the environmental impacts, social impacts and mitigation as Owner’s Engineer to support further state government investment.

Establishing early and effective community and stakeholder engagement is critical to a project’s success, helping to develop productive and positive relationships with all parties throughout the entire project lifecycle.

SMEC is supporting Queensland Hydro’s community and stakeholder engagement teams, providing strategic advisory guidance, supporting materials, and in-field engagement information sessions, helping Queensland Hydro deliver positive outcomes for both Queensland and the local community.

“Since November 2021, the team has prepared supporting materials and delivered invaluable in-field engagement information sessions, established and engaged with stakeholder reference groups and facilitated targeted stakeholder workshops. This has resulted in extremely useful insights and feedback to ensure the successful delivery of the project,” said Rebecca Powlett, SMEC, Associate Environmental Scientist.