Australia, Projects, Pumped hydro, Renewables

Pumped hydro project awards local drillers $25M contracts

Three south-east Queensland drilling companies could receive a combined $25 million worth of contracts with Queensland Hydro.

The local drillers will undertake essential geotechnical work for the proposed 2000 megawatts Borumba Pumped Hydro Project.

GeoDrill Australia from Chevallum, Tier 1 Drilling from Morayfield, and SJ Drilling from Jimboomba were awarded the tenders to provide surface-level drilling services, subject to Queensland Hydro receiving necessary regulatory approvals.

Queensland Hydro Chief Executive Kieran Cusack welcomed the appointments, stating it was pleasing that local businesses could benefit from their involvement in the major pumped hydro development while the company gains from their regional expertise.

“Pumped hydro is unquestionably the right technology to enable Queensland’s clean energy transition. Our proposed projects offer real opportunities for local businesses to use their experience and capability to assist us in building these generational assets,” Cusack said.

“This is a two-year program of work, which provides local companies with certainty and surety and keeps economic benefits flowing into the region.

“While some companies may never have worked on pumped hydro or a renewable energy project before, their skills and expertise are transferrable, and they can positively contribute to the ongoing development of these projects.”

The managing directors of the appointed companies expressed excitement about the opportunities the large-scale project presents.

Thomas Partleton, Managing Director from GeoDrill Australia & GD Water Solutions, said they are thrilled to be part of the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project as it represents a significant opportunity to further develop their capabilities in renewable energy.

“This project will not only grow our team by 30 new members but also contribute to the local economy and the clean energy transition. Our expertise in geotechnical drilling aligns perfectly with the needs of this project, and we’re eager to support Queensland’s shift towards a sustainable energy future,” Partleton said.

Pumped hydro is considered the ideal technology to enable Queensland’s clean energy transition.

The massive Borumba development is expected to play a key role in firming renewable energy supply as the state targets 70 per cent renewable generation by 2032.

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