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Borumba Dam near Imbil is where the pumped hydro project will be based. Image: Queensland Hydro
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Progress on the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project BY SARAH JANE SCOTT THE Borumba Pumped Hydro Project, to be located near Imbil, is planned to be a cornerstone in the state's push towards renewable energy. With a proposed capacity of 2,000 MW, this large-scale energy storage system is designed to ideally help Queensland phase out fossil fuels, utilising the state's natural resources of sun, wind, and water. However, while it promises economic benefits and job creation, it has
also sparked concerns over environmental impacts and local land use. The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is one of Queensland’s most ambitious infrastructure ventures, expected to cost a total of $14.2 billion. Funded in part by a $6 billion investment from the Queensland Government, the project aims to provide a significant boost to the state’s clean energy goals. If regulatory approvals are obtained, the first power is expected by 2030. The system will operate by
utilising two reservoirs: an expanded Lake Borumba as the lower reservoir and a newly constructed upper reservoir at a higher altitude. Water will be pumped from the lower to the upper reservoir when energy is abundant and released back down through underground turbines during peak demand, generating electricity. Is Hydro part of Queensland's renewable future? The project is seen by many as more than just a renewable energy milestone: it is a signal
that the state is committed to energy sustainability and economic growth. As Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton MP remarked, "This project is not just about delivering on our renewable energy targets – it's about empowering our local economy. Hundreds of millions of dollars in public investment will directly benefit the Sunshine Coast, driving innovation, supporting local employment, and securing a stronger economic future for the region.” One of the most immediate
benefits of the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project is its impact on local businesses. In September 2024, GeoDrill Australia, a family-owned Sunshine Coast company specialising in geotechnical and water drilling services, was awarded a share of a $25 million contract to perform surface-level drilling. This contract forms part of a larger $107 billion Big Build program that includes housing, clean energy, and other major infrastructure projects across Queensland. Continued on page 3.
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