BHP and ACCIONA Energía Explore Pumped Hydro Project at Mt Arthur Coal
Project Overview
- BHP has partnered with ACCIONA Energía to assess the feasibility of a pumped hydro energy storage project at Mt Arthur Coal.
- The mine is scheduled for closure in 2030, with NSW Government approval extending operations until June 2030.
Potential Benefits
✔ Support 1,000+ jobs in the Upper Hunter during construction.
✔ Boost economic activity in Muswellbrook.
✔ Provide daily power for up to 500,000 NSW homes.
Next Steps
- ACCIONA Energía will conduct 12 months of due diligence on the project.
- The company brings expertise from 600MW of operating Australian renewable assets and 14GW globally.
BHP’s $30M Community Fund
- A $30 million fund will support the Upper Hunter’s transition post-2030.
- Focus areas:
✓ Job creation
✓ Industry diversification
✓ Economic empowerment
Statement from BHP Australia President
Geraldine Slattery:
*“We are exploring ways to repurpose Mt Arthur Coal’s 7,000+ hectare site to sustain jobs and investment. Pumped hydro could play a key role in the region’s future.”*
How Pumped Hydro Works
- Stores energy by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations.
- Generates power on demand by releasing water through turbines.
- Mine sites are ideal due to:
✓ Existing elevation differences
✓ Large catchment areas for reservoirs
Our Partners
- FR2 Infrastructure – Constructability advise and project and planning controls
- Staging Diagrams – Staging diagrams for possession planning
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Energy Planning, We deliver breaking news, expert analysis, and actionable insights on: Renewable Energy Integration – Solar, wind, and storage breakthroughs; Grid Modernization – Smart technologies and infrastructure updates; Climate Policy – COP28 outcomes, carbon markets, and regulatory shifts; Emerging Tech – Hydrogen, CCUS, and AI-driven energy solutions
Our Partners: FR2 Infrastructure | We Simplify Complexity | Felipe Ramirez | Construction Methodology | Selknam | Energy Planning | Staging Diagrams
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