Queensland Hydro designs, delivers, operates and maintains world-class, long duration pumped hydro energy storage assets to provide reliable, clean energy for Queensland.

The team draws on their extensive engineering, environmental and social impact expertise to deliver certainty throughout the project life cycle, working with stakeholders to create lasting benefits for communities.

Our projects will play a critical role in helping meet the Queensland Government's renewable energy and net zero emissions targets, supporting the shift to a decarbonised energy system in Australia.

We are currently working on two key projects:

• The 2,000MW Borumba Pumped Hydro Project, located at Lake Borumba near Imbil, approximately 50km south-west of Gympie
• The 5,000MW Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project, located in the Pioneer Valley approximately 75km west of Mackay

About Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project

The Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project is an energy storage project capable of dispatching up to 5,000MW of continuous power for a period of up to 24 hours. The project is key in reaching Queensland's renewable energy targets. In June 2022, the Queensland Government announced $35 million of funding, to identify a second Pumped Hydro Energy Storage site, in addition to the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project. After careful analysis, experts identified the Pioneer Valley and adjacent ranges as an area with significant potential.

Key aspects of the project include the establishment of dams and reservoirs in the higher altitudes of Dalrymple Heights, as well as the lower altitudes of the Netherdale area. Realignment of the Mackay-Eungella road around the lower reservoir. Underground tunnels and powerhouses will link the reservoirs together. When electricity generation is required, water will be released from the upper reservoirs through the underground turbines to the lower reservoir.

Engaging local suppliers

Queensland Hydro is committed to providing opportunities for local suppliers and local employment for Mackay, the Greater Whitsunday and surrounding regions. We encourage interested businesses to register their expression of interest via this ICN Gateway.

Delivery schedule

The project is currently in the investigation phase with Queensland Hydro undertaking technical investigations and studies to better understand the impacts and benefits of pumped hydro energy storage at the Pioneer-Burdekin site. These include carrying out environmental, social and cultural assessments, geotechnical investigations and engineeting design through to mid-2024.

The findings of the investigations will be compiled into a report and submitted to the Queensland Government in mid-2024 to assess as part of the investment decision for the project.

If approved, following detailed planning, environmental studies and approval processes, exploratory works are due to commence in 2025, with the main works to commence by 2027.

Industry briefing

Queensland Hydro hosted industry briefings in Brisbane, Caloundra and Gympie between 5 and 7 July 2023. The briefings introduced Queensland Hydro and the two pumped hydro energy storage projects at Borumba and Pioneer-Burdekin. The Queensland Hydro team outlined the approach to engagement, including partnering with industries and communities throughout the project.

A recording of the Brisbane event is available to view here

Registration of interest

Current opportunities that are open for Registration of Interest (ROI) can be found in the Work Packages tab.

Businesses interested in supplying to Queensland Hydro are encouraged to register an ROI.

Please note when submitting your ROI:

• Your company profile on the ICN Gateway should be complete, up-to-date and accurate
• Incomplete registrations may not be considered. Please refer to the ICN User Guides below for information on how to register your business and submit an Registration of Interest

ICN Gateway company profile

Your ICN Gateway company profile and any ROI submitted are used to assess your organisation's ability to complete projects.

Click here to create your company profile or to login and amend your existing company profile.

Please ensure your business invests the time and energy required to represent itself in the most effective manner possible when completing and/or updating your company profile.

Queensland Hydro strongly encourages suppliers to contact ICN in the first instance to improve their understanding of the ROI process