Plans are in the works to double Tasmania’s hydro power output by re-using water, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announcing the feasibility studies to investigate.
The PM visited the Trevallyn Power Station to make the announcement, joined by Premier Will Hodgman and Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg. The studies will support feasibility work in creating and developing the old Tarraleah scheme and enhancing the Gordon Power Station.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is also considering an application from Hydro Tasmania to explore several new pumped hydro energy storage schemes that can provide up to 2500 megawatts of pumped hydropower and can lead to millions of dollars of investment.
ARENA has contributed $2.5 million to the studies, but much more money will be needed. Steve Davy, Hydro Tasmania chief executive stated that the state-owned company was in discussion with ARENA on two studies. One study focuses on how to increase the energy output from the system and the second study looks at 13 separate pumped hydro opportunities to test them for feasibility.