Energy company AGL is investigating a proposed pumped hydro energy storage project at Glenbawn Dam, near Scone, and is inviting Upper Hunter residents to learn more about the plan this week.
The proposed project would use Glenbawn Dam as the lower reservoir, with a new upper reservoir also planned as part of the system. If it goes ahead, the scheme would have approximately 800 megawatts of generation capacity and up to 10 hours of energy storage.
The project is currently in the investigation and planning phase. AGL acquired the development rights to the Glenbawn proposal, along with a second pumped hydro project at Glennies Creek near Singleton, from former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s company Upper Hunter Hydro last year, as part of the energy giant’s push to add long-duration storage to its renewable energy pipeline.
To give residents a chance to learn more, ask questions and provide feedback, AGL is holding a series of drop-in community sessions across the region this week. A session will be held in Scone today from 11am to 2pm at the Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre on Kelly Street. Further sessions will be held tomorrow in Gundy, from 7am to 10am at the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, and in Aberdeen, from 3pm to 6pm at the Rose Garden Hall.
AGL says the sessions will give residents the opportunity to speak directly with its project team about the proposal.
