What is Hydropower?

Hydropower converts the energy of moving water into electricity. It encompasses various generation and storage technologies, primarily hydroelectricity and Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES). As one of the oldest and most mature energy technologies, hydropower has been utilized in different forms for thousands of years.

Today, hydropower contributes to electricity generation in over 160 countries.

How is Hydroelectricity Produced?

Hydroelectricity is generated by passing water through an electricity generator known as a turbine. Typically sourced from a reservoir or dam, the flowing water moves the turbine blades, driving the generator and converting the motion into electrical energy.

How Does Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) Work?

PHES functions as an energy storage solution by utilizing water reservoirs. Excess energy from the grid or renewable sources, such as solar and wind farms, can be used during low-demand periods to pump water from a lower reservoir to a higher one, effectively turning the upper reservoir into a massive battery.

Stored energy can be released by returning the water through a hydroelectric turbine into the lower reservoir.
Hydroelectricity can be generated almost instantly, making it an effective tool for grid stability.
PHES helps to manage electricity demand by preventing surges, reducing blackouts, and balancing fluctuations in power supply.
It provides large-scale electricity generation over extended periods, ensuring a reliable and dispatchable energy source.

Hydropower in Australia

Hydroelectricity has consistently contributed 5-7% of Australia’s total electricity supply for decades.

Key Hydropower Facts in Australia:

Over 120 operating hydroelectric power stations, both large and small, are primarily located in southeastern Australia.
The Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme is one of the most well-known hydropower projects in the country.
Three major PHES systems are connected to the national electricity grid.
The Australian Government has recognized the importance of large-scale energy storage solutions like PHES to ensure energy security and reliability.

Key Hydropower and PHES Projects in Australia

Kidston Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project

Announced in 2021, this was Australia’s first PHES system in 37 years.
Located at the former Kidston Gold Mine in North Queensland.
The first PHES project to support the integration of variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Snowy 2.0 Project

Construction began in 2020 to link two existing dams in the Snowy Mountains.
It will provide 2,000 MW of capacity and 350,000 MWh of storage.
Expected to power approximately 3 million homes for a week.
The feasibility study was supported by government funding to enhance Australia’s renewable energy infrastructure.

Supporting the Future of PHES and Hydropower

The Low Emissions Technology Statement highlights the significance of hydropower and PHES in Australia’s transition to a low-carbon future.

Key Focus Areas:

Supporting the development and financing of new PHES projects.
Accelerating investment in energy innovation.
Ensuring the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
Strengthening energy security and reliability.

The Australian Government continues to provide funding support to drive advancements in hydropower technology, helping to build a more sustainable and efficient renewable energy ecosystem.

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