Mott MacDonald to support landmark pumped hydro project in Queensland, Australia

Mott MacDonald, in partnership with GHD and Stantec under the Water2Wire joint venture (JV), has been selected by Queensland Hydro as the dams designer delivery partner for the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project.

Water2Wire JV was formed to accelerate the development of pumped hydro across Queensland and brings together significant Australian and international design capability, and has already delivered the 5GW Pioneer Burdekin FEED Design.

As dams designer delivery partner, Water2Wire JV will be responsible for leading the engineering and design for the project’s seven proposed dams: six new dams to form a new upper reservoir, and one new dam wall and spillway immediately downstream from the existing Borumba Dam. The dam wall will see Lake Borumba increase its capacity providing security to the proposed energy storage scheme.

Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack said: “Water2Wire has consistently demonstrated their expertise in delivering world-class hydropower and dam projects. The three companies of the joint venture will bring their significant dams and hydro design experience to our Borumba Project, and we are excited to be partnering with them.”

Adrian Jones, regional managing director for Asia Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, Mott MacDonald, said: “Pumped hydro plays a pivotal role in the energy transition and helps foster a more sustainable, reliable and resilient energy system. This landmark project will play a major role in supporting Queensland's commitment to transitioning to 80% renewable energy by 2035, with capability to dispatch 2,000MW and store up to 24 hours of energy. Alongside Stantec and GHD, we look forward to bringing our extensive experience supporting the delivery of pumped hydro projects in Australia and around the world, to this project.”

Mott MacDonald has worked on a number of key pumped hydro storage projects in Australia including Kidston, Pioneer-Burdekin and Muswellbrook.