Snowy 2.0
The Snowy Mountains Scheme is widely regarded as one of the world’s great engineering wonders
The History
The Snowy Mountains Scheme is widely regarded as one of the world’s great engineering wonders.
The Scheme is the most significant project to be undertaken as part of the post-war reconstruction program and has become an enduring symbol of Australia's identity as a multicultural, independent, and resourceful country.
The Project
Snowy 2.0 will be an expansion of the Snowy Scheme operated by Snowy Hydro Ltd. and will help underpin Australia’s renewable energy future.
As part of Snowy 2.0, Italy’s largest construction firm, Webuild (previously Salini Impregilo), will build the biggest hydroelectric power station in Australia after winning the contract, as part of a joint venture known as Future Generation for the civil works and electromechanical component of the project, which is valued at $5.1 billion.
Snowy 2.0: a journey of discovery
The gigantic battery being built in Australia by Webuild to store and produce energy
In this video, we show you the massive pumped-storage scheme being built in the Snowy Mountains. With the support of 3D animation, it takes you on a journey to discover the construction phases of this complex engineering work that will store and produce electricity for the equivalent of half a million homes.
A hydropower plant inside a mountain? Geopop and Webuild present you Snowy 2.0!
A hydropower project to help underpin Australia’s renewable energy future as the country transitions away from coal and other fossil fuels for its electricity
Snowy 2.0 Project Update - April 2024
The Benefits
Snowy 2.0 will increase the generating capacity of the Snowy Scheme by 2,000 megawatts (MW), up from current capacity which stands at 4,100 MW, and will also triple its pumping capabilities which the Scheme currently has at Tumut 3 power station.
Importantly, Snowy Hydro supplies the National Electricity Market at times of peak demand. As renewable energy sources continue to feed a greater proportion of power into the grid, Snowy 2.0 will help keep the lights on when the wind is not blowing or the sun is not shining.
The Details
Under the terms of the contract, Webuild will link the existing Tantangara and Talbingo dams by excavating a series of tunnels and building a hydroelectric power station with pumping capabilities facilities located nearly one kilometre underground.
Snowy 2.0 will create over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs and, once complete, the increased generation capacity could power 500,000 at any one time and its energy storage is up to 175 hours.
How we innovate - Video Interview with Webuild Engineering - Director Design Services, Nicola Valiante
Snowy 2.0 - Webuild project
Key facts
Snowy 2.0 will help underpin Australia’s renewable energy future
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power generated
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energy storage
Snowy 2.0 - Supply Chain
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