AGL plans 250-MW pumped hydro complex in S Australia

Aussie utility AGL Energy Ltd (ASX:AGL) today unveiled plans to build a 250-MW pumped hydro energy storage facility at an open cut copper mine in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills region.

The company said it has secured the right to develop, own and operate the plant and if the project is approved it will be put into operation by 2024. It is seen to expand AGL’s technology mix in South Australia, adding to its wind and thermal power generation and catering to the growing needs of dispatchable capacity in the state as renewables generation grows.

The pumped hydro storage complex is planned to be installed at Hillgrove Resources Ltd’s (ASX:HGO) Kanmantoo copper mine. AGL will buy the particular site soon after it takes a final investment decision on the project, expected to occur after the completion of processing at Kanmantoo.

A development application for the scheme is planned to be lodged in 2020.

“This is an exciting project, which is consistent with our plans to continue to invest in our core energy markets business as customer needs and technologies evolve,” said Richard Wrightson, AGL’s executive general manager of wholesale markets.

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