THE Urannah Renewable Energy Hub has secured $2 million as part of the Federal Government's plan to secure energy affordability for commercial and industrial users.
Announced by Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, the large scale project aims to deliver cheaper, renewable energy for North Queensland.
Renewable Energy Partners chief executive officer and Urannah Renewable Energy Hub Project manager Luke McDonald said initial studies had shown the site was well suited for solar generation and the topography was ideal for a large-scale wind farm in addition to the planned pumped hydro facilities.
The energy hub includes a 1.5GW pumped hydro with a seven hour storage capacity, 1.3GW solar, 500MW wind and a 200MW hydrogen electrolyser is being investigated to support export scale hydrogen production.
Urannah Water Scheme chief executive officer Kerry Huston said co-located with the Urannah Dam, the Urannah Renewable Energy Hub was ideally positioned for pumped hydro energy storage with close proximity to the grid, co-location with the lower reservoir and hydrology and topography that allowed for maximum rainfall capture and utilise the height of the dam wall.
"Our combined projects will deliver water security for North Queensland and reliable disputable supply during the transition of Queensland's economy from fossil fuelled powered generation to renewables," Mr Huston said.
Urannah Water Scheme involves the construction of a major, new 1.6 million megalitre dam, which will support a 22,500 hectare (55,600 acre) agricultural precinct as well as mining projects and urban areas. Urannah Dam will host a major, 1000 megawatt hydro-electric power station.
