Snowy 2.0 hydro-electric rehabilitation management strategy

Challenge

The proposed expansion of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme will provide increased storage capacity and security to supply the national electricity network in Australia. The project will include the design and construction of a 2,000 MW pumped hydroelectric power station.

The scheme includes permanent infrastructure (such as the underground power station, power waterways, access tunnels, chambers and shafts), temporary construction infrastructure (such as construction adits, construction compounds and accommodation), management and storage of extracted rock material and establishment of supporting infrastructure (such as road upgrades and extensions, water and sewage treatment infrastructure, and the provision of construction power).

The objective of the proposed rehabilitation works is to leave a legacy that enables Snowy 2.0 to co-exist within Australia’s best known and most sensitive National Park and maintain its values.

Solution

FGJV commissioned SLR to prepare a rehabilitation strategy of the highest standard that sets an international benchmark as an integral part of a significantly large infrastructure project; to be constructed and rehabilitated in a very challenging alpine environment within a highly sensitive catchment.

Impact

The Snowy 2.0 Rehabilitation Strategy received commendation amongst all stakeholders including, but not limited to, the end client (Snowy Hydro Ltd) and all relevant regulators.