Contracts awarded for massive Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project

The Queensland Government is going ahead with the development of the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project with the awarding of two work contracts. 

The contract awards follow the recent opening of the new Queensland Hydro office in Mackay that was attended by the Premier and Minister for Energy, Hydrogen and Renewables. 

“The proposed Pioneer-Burdekin scheme is a world-class project, so having world-class contractors working with us right from the outset is critical. 

“Both Twin Hills and Water2Wire had outstanding tender responses that showcased both their impressive capability and strong local links,” Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack said. 

Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling – a ‘true blue’ local family business from Mackay – has been awarded the contract to undertake a six-month geotechnical shallow drilling program, a vital part of the project’s development that will help inform the project design. 

Project design is a critical element in the project’s Detailed Analytical Report, which is expected to be presented to the Queensland Government in 2024. 

“It’s great to get the chance to work on a local project and to prove that Mackay companies can match it with the southern drilling companies. 

“Twin Hills has great expertise and a strong local presence. We’re over the moon about working with Queensland Hydro,” Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling Founder and Owner Stephen Burt said. 

Another contract has also been awarded to Queensland-based joint venture Water2Wire for the project’s Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED). 

Water2Wire is comprised of GHD, Mott MacDonald and Stantec. The companies together are expected to bring significant professional engineering, hydropower expertise and capability that will help in determining technical specifications, schedule as well as cost parameters for the Pioneer-Burdekin project. 

“Water2Wire is proud to partner with Queensland Hydro and are excited to have the opportunity to play an important role in helping shape the energy future for Queensland, through a project that is a cornerstone of the landmark Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan. 

“With Water2Wire’s expertise and Queensland Hydro’s leadership, we are confident that this project will succeed, providing jobs and contributing significantly to the Queensland economy,” Water2Wire Joint Venture Director and GHD Project Director Craig Berry said. 

Project map (source: Queensland Hydro)

The Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project is located west of Mackay, in the Pioneer Valley. The proposed project is expected to generate 5,000MW (5GW) of clean energy in 24 hours, which is equivalent to approximately half of Queensland’s peak usage. 

At peak construction period, the project is estimated to support over 3,000 jobs. 

“The project is poised to offer hundreds of supply chain opportunities, and with application of the Palaszczuk Government’s signature Buy Queensland Procurement Policy, local businesses like Twin Hills and Water2Wire will be the preferred project partners. 

“It’s regions like Mackay that are at the centre of Queensland’s renewable energy transformation – which will unleash new industrial jobs in hydrogen, renewables, manufacturing, and critical minerals,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said. 

The project is the cornerstone of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, and it is set to become the largest pumped hydro scheme globally. 

Once operational, the massive pumped hydro project will act like a giant battery, and it will underpin the reliability of the State’s publicly owned grid by storing energy generated from local renewable energy zones when the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project is connected to the Queensland SuperGrid. 

“This is an exciting major project for the region that will mean business opportunities for local companies and thousands of jobs for locals – whether it’s electricians and technicians, suppliers of building materials, or drillers and engineers like these two contracts. 

“Pumped hydro energy storage and clean energy will provide another lane on Mackay’s industrial superhighway with thousands of locals just like Stephen and Sharon who stand to benefit from it,” Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Hydro (1, 2); Energy Storage News; PV Magazine Australia