9.6GWh 'Big-G' Pumped Hydro Project in Queensland Submitted for Australian Government Approval
- Energy Insider Editorial Team
- Jan 18
- 2 min read
BE Power Group has submitted its 9.6GWh Big-G Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) project for Federal approval under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
The proposed 800MW system, capable of providing 12 hours of storage, will be located in the Gladstone region of Queensland, about 529km north of Brisbane. First announced in April 2024, the project aims to bolster renewable energy capacity in the National Electricity Market (NEM).
Key Project Features
Closed-Loop Design
The PHES will utilize two reservoirs connected via a tunnel, with water movement powered by four 200MW reversible Francis pump-turbine units housed in an underground power station.
Reservoir Construction
The upper reservoir will feature two valley dams and several saddle dams, while the lower reservoir will include a turkey-nest dam.
Grid Connection
The project will connect to the NEM through a privately-owned transmission line. Options under discussion with Powerlink include overhead or underground power lines.
The EPBC application highlights flexibility in execution, with the system operating as a single 800MW PHES or split into two 400MW projects with shared infrastructure.
BE Power is also evaluating the addition of a 400MW/1,600MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) with a 4-hour duration, potentially located near the switchyard.
The Big-G project will span 859 hectares across five properties: Voewood, Beel Creek, Rockfield, Wyalla, and Bocoolima. Within this area, the battery energy storage system (BESS) is expected to occupy around five hectares. Construction of the project is scheduled to begin in late 2027 and is estimated to take up to six years, including rehabilitation work. At its peak, the construction phase will require a workforce of approximately 1,000 people. The project represents a significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure and supports Queensland’s long-term sustainability goals.
