Isn’t this the right project in the wrong location?

This location is widely regarded as one of the best locations for pumped hydro storage in NSW.

Lake Lyell already provides a lower reservoir, a water source, access to transmission infrastructure, good topography, and land already zoned for energy generation.

Will we still be able to use the lake given the change in the water level?

Historically, the water level in Lake Lyell has moved up and down with the seasons. Lake users may remember the lake has not always bene consistently full of water.

Prior to 2010 it fluctuated greatly. During the 2006 drought, the level fell 20 m below full. Pumped hydro operation will see the water level drop very gradually over an 8-hour period by around two metres.

EnergyAustralia has already committed to making further investment in the Recreation Centre, including new pontons, new swimming areas, and ensuring the boat ramp is long enough to support launches when lake levels are lower.

Why don’t you just build more grid-scale batteries?

Different technologies play different roles in the broader energy market. Batteries operate over shorter periods of time. Pumped hydro operates over longer periods and are often referred to as long duration storage.

Batteries also have a life span of between 15 to 20 years, wile pumped hydro has a lifespan of 80 to 100 years. This provides greater supply and stability in the system as pumped hydro can provide coverage dyring battery maintenance and vice versa.

Doesn’t it use more energy than it generates?

No energy storage system (including lithium-ion batteries) are 100% efficient. The Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro project will have a round-trip efficiency of around 80% which is as good as lithium-ion batteries, and better than some other emerging storage technologies.

Who owns and maintains the lake?

EnergyAustralia is the owner and operator of the Lake Lyell with responsibility for maintaining Lake Lyell, Thompsons Creek Reservoir, and the Lilyvale Dam, including making significant investments into the dams ongoing compliance, capital works, and operational costs.

EnergyAustralia spends over $2.5 million annually to maintain Lake Lyell.

Lake Lyell is not a naturally formed lake. The dam was built in 1982 by the then NSW Government owned Delta Electricity to supply water for the Mt Piper and Wallerawang Power Stations, The construction of the dam flooded sections of the Coxs River and Farmers Creek, creating Lake Lyell. It operates as part of a connected system of dams, including the Thompson Creek Reservoir and Lake Wallace.

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Energy Australia acknowledges that the site of the proposed Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro project is on the traditional Country of the Wiradjuri People. We recognise their continued connection to land, waterways and community, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.