World-class designers chosen for Snowy 2.0

A major pumped-hydro Snowy Scheme expansion project

The Snowy Mountain Scheme is a major hydroelectric and irrigation complex in south-eastern Australia that was built between 1949 to 1974. Snowy 2.0 project aims to design and build an underground hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 2,000 megawatts connecting two existing water reservoirs in Kosciuszko National Park. This large pumped storage plant project will be instrumental in the country's renewable energy transition.

The Civil Works include intake and outlet structures, approximately 26 km of waterway tunnels, a 800 m deep underground powerhouse complex, 20 km of tunnels to support the construction and operation of the facility, and surface infrastructures (roads, camps).

Designer Joint Venture

The Designer Joint Venture was formed to combine high level expertise in hydropower and undergrounds projects, and knowledge of the project site, stakeholders, and project practices.

Tractebel is proud to lead such joint venture.

Tractebel will perform the design and technical construction assistance of the power station complex. Lombardi will look after the waterway and access tunnels, intake structures and surge shafts, drawing on its extensive experience in underground and hydraulic design expertise.  Coffey, a Tetra Tech Company will provide design engineering and environmental services for the surface works across the site in addition to project wide services.

Since June 2019, a joint team of over 150 personnel is working on the production of the preliminary design across the consortium.

Before Snowy 2.0: the history

Snowy is a hydroelectric and irrigation complex in south-eastern Australia. It consists of sixteen large dams; seven power plants; one pumping station; and 225 kilometres (140 miles) of tunnels, pipelines and aqueducts that were built between 1949 and 1974. The program was completed under the supervision of the Chief Engineer, Sir William Hudson. This is the largest engineering project undertaken in Australia.

The energy produced by large hydroelectric power plants generates energy for the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria.  The scheme also provides some security for water flows in the Murray-Darling Basin, providing about 2,100 gigalitres (7.4 to 10 cubic feet) of water per year to the Basin for use in Australia's irrigated agricultural industry.

In 2016, the Snowy Mountains Scheme was added to the Australian National Heritage List.

Snowy 2.0 will supercharge the existing hydro-electric generation and large-scale storage capabilities. The fast-start, on-demand generation of pumped-hydro and massive storage capacity will be vital as more intermittent, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar come online in Australia’s transition to renewable energy. Snowy 2.0 will add 2,000 megawatts of energy generation and provide 175 hours of storage (350,000 MWh) for the National Electricity Market, enough to ensure the stability and reliability of the system during prolonged weather events impacting wind and solar production.

Fabian Sommer (Lombardi), Jean Teyssieux (Tractebel), Simone Pesciaioli (FG JV), Roger Bremen (Lombardi)

About Tractebel

At the helm of the Energy Transition, Tractebel provides a full range of engineering and advisory services throughout the life cycle of its clients’ projects, including design and project management. As one of the world’s leading engineering and advisory companies and with more than 150 years of experience, it's our mission to actively shape the world of tomorrow. With about 5,000 experts and presence in more than 70 countries, we are able to offer our customers multidisciplinary solutions in energy, water and urban. www.tractebel-engie.com

About LOM

Lombardi Engineering Ltd., founded in 1955, is an international consultancy company with more than 450 technical staff in Europe, Latin America, India and Australia. Lombardi Group is highly specialized in underground works and hydropower design and the trusted engineer for EPC contractors and project owners on complex projects worldwide. 

About Coffey (a Tetra Tech Company)

For over 60 years Coffey, a Tetra Tech Company, have been the trusted advisers in specialist consulting and engineering services. From small beginnings, we’ve led the industry in our core markets to deliver the technical expertise and sustainable solutions clients need. 

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 20,000 associates working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development. We are Leading with Science^® to provide sustainable and resilient solutions for our clients. tetratech.com