Queensland electricity company Schoonco has set a new quarterly generation record at its 570MW Wivenhoe Power Station, 75km west of Brisbane, surpassing all previous production milestones since the plant came into operation in 1984.
The station’s two pumped hydro power stations at Wivenhoe have generated 199 GWh since 1 July 2024, exceeding the station’s historical quarterly average by more than 5.2 times.
Using electricity from the grid, the two 285 MW Francis turbines pump water uphill to the station, which then acts as a rechargeable battery, with the ability to generate electricity quickly and have a capacity to operate continuously for up to 10 hours to support. energy generation.
By capturing excess solar energy and delivering it when demand is greatest, Wivenhoe puts downward pressure on electricity prices and ensures Queensland’s electricity supply remains reliable as the state transitions to a clean energy future.
Cleanco Chief Executive Officer Tom Metcalfe said Wivenhoe shows why pumped hydropower is a powerful asset in the current energy market. “This station plays a vital role in supporting more renewable energy in Queensland, and this new generation record underlines the importance of continued investment in clean energy solutions,” Metcalfe said.
Cleanco aims to support 1,000 MW of new renewable energy generation by 2025 and will achieve this by building, owning and operating renewable energy projects and supporting investments in other new sustainable energy projects.
Included in the portfolio is the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub, 40km south-west of Brisbane, which also includes Cleanco’s first big battery at 250 MW / 500 MWh and a 275 kV substation, in collaboration with Tesla and Yurika, the energy transition arm of the Queensland government company Energy Queensland.
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