Construction is underway for Western Australia’s (WA) first pumped hydro renewable microgrid, Energy Minister Bill Johnston announced.
The self-sufficient renewable solution, a collaboration between WA-based engineering company Power Research and Development (PRD) and Western Power, will considerably enhance power reliability for homes and businesses in Walpole.
“Walpole is at the end of a 125-kilometre long feeder line that is exposed to disruptive elements such as vegetation and animals, storms, lightning and bushfires,” Minister Johnston said.
According to the Minister, the pumped hydro solution would reduce the number of power outages in Walpole by utilising green energy at no additional expense to businesses or the community while also creating high-quality local jobs.
“This project plays an important role in our clean energy future, supports the increasing rise of renewables, and assists in balancing power demand and supply,” Minister Johnston added.
It will serve as a model for other sections of the State, as well as possibly nationally and worldwide.
The 1.5-megawatt pumped hydro facility operates by pumping water uphill from one dam to another when renewable energy sources are plentiful, and energy costs are low. It will employ two farm dams to store 30 MW hours of electricity.
The water is released downhill through a hydro generation unit when there is a strong energy demand. It will provide power to the Walpole townsite in the event of a power outage.
The project received a $2 million grant from the McGowan Government‘s Clean Energy Future Fund, which promotes the implementation of innovative clean energy projects in WA.
“I am proud the State Government’s Clean Energy Future Fund can contribute to this innovative local project that will help improve power reliability for the people of Walpole,” Environment and Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby said.
Minister Whitby stated that this is precisely the type of initiative for which the fund was established.
“It’s invaluable in supporting initiatives which can drive down emissions and have the potential for widespread rollout.” the Minister added.
The project is boosting jobs and economic growth in the area, with Denmark-based MCC Contractors carrying out the main earthworks and creating 12 jobs and an additional 38 jobs in other trades, services, and design work.
“I am excited the people of Walpole can benefit from such a unique, green project that will deliver greater energy reliability. The Government’s investment represents a boost for economic growth and employment in the town, with as many as 50 local jobs being created,” Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie said.
Western Power is completing work to connect Walpole households and businesses to the world-class energy solution on the distribution side of the project.
Power Research and Development Director Colin Stonehouse said it’s encouraging to see Pumped-Up Walpole moving forwards, thanks to the hard work of our project team, Western Power’s team, the State Government’s Clean Energy Future Fund, and the backing of our world-class equipment suppliers.
“The project has given us confidence to commence planning for other pumped hydro renewable microgrids on the edge of grid towns in WA. Of around 30 well-suited towns we are looking at so far, our aspiration is to have five ready to proceed after Walpole,” Stonehouse added.
The renewable microgrid is set to go live in the second part of 2023.
