Wivenhoe Power Station from above and in the foreground, while Splityard Creek Dam is in the background.

Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro Smashes Generation Record

Published: 27 September, 2024

  • Wivenhoe Power Station has set a new generation record in Q3 2024, surpassing all previous records since its commissioning in 1984.
  • The station’s two pumped hydro units have generated 199GWh since 1 July 2024, which is around 5.2 times the station’s historical quarterly average.
  • Wivenhoe’s ability to store excess solar energy during the day and discharge it during peak demand in the evening and overnight demonstrates the importance of pumped hydro in Queensland’s clean energy future

CleanCo’s Wivenhoe Power Station has set a new quarterly generation record, surpassing all previous production milestones since the station began operating in 1984—and all before the third quarter of 2024 even ended.

The two pumped hydro units at Wivenhoe have generated an impressive 199GWh since 1 July 2024, exceeding the station’s historical quarterly average by more than 5.2 times. This performance highlights the increasing value of pumped hydro in Queensland’s evolving energy landscape, where renewable generation is increasing rapidly.

Wivenhoe’s capability to store excess solar energy during the day and discharge it during the evening peak and overnight has proven to be a crucial tool for balancing supply and demand. By capturing surplus solar generation and delivering it when demand is highest, Wivenhoe is putting downward pressure on electricity prices and ensuring Queensland’s electricity supply remains reliable as the state transitions to a clean energy future.

Quotes attributable to CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe:

“Wivenhoe is showing exactly why pumped hydro is such a powerful asset in today’s energy market. This station is playing a vital role in supporting more renewable energy in Queensland, and this new generation record underscores the importance of continued investment in clean energy solutions.

“As Queensland looks to a net zero future, CleanCo continues to deliver energy solutions that support the growth of renewable generation and ensure our customers have access to reliable, low-emission energy to support their decarbonisation journey.”

FAST FACTS

  • Wivenhoe Pumped Hydro was commissioned in 1984
  • Wivenhoe Power Station holds two Francis type turbines and at 285MW each, they are Australia’s largest, weighing an incredible 1,500 tonnes each.
  • Wivenhoe Hydro acts like one giant rechargeable battery, with the ability to quickly generate electricity with the capacity to support up to 10 hours of continuous power generation.

CleanCo media contact – Lincoln Howe 0422 678 188 / Erin Oram 0431 089 686