Phoenix Pumped Hydro is a large-scale energy storage project proposed within the NSW Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone designed to draw and store energy from the grid when demand and wholesale prices are low, and dispatch energy when demand peaks or supply is constrained.
Phoenix was the first pumped hydro project to be awarded a Long-Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) under the New South Wales (NSW) Energy Roadmap, and is expected to perform a critical role in managing market volatility and supporting system strength, reliability and security as the state’s aging coal fleet retires.
With a capacity of around 800 MW and up to 15 hours of storage, Phoenix will provide firming at a scale capable of supporting renewable energy zones and managing prolonged periods of low wind or solar output.
ACEN Australia Managing Director David Pollington said the Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) designation reflects the role the project is designed to play within the National Electricity Market (NEM).
“Phoenix offers the kind of bankable, critical infrastructure that gives shape to an evolving energy system, backing in new renewable generation, flattening wholesale energy market price volatility and unlocking opportunity right across the grid,” Mr Pollington said.
“We welcome the NSW Government’s decision to declare Phoenix a CSSI project as core enabling infrastructure underpinning the State’s energy transition.”
The Phoenix Pumped Hydro project is expected to create up to 600 new construction jobs at peak and deliver close to $3 million (USD 2 million) in regional community development initiatives over the life of the asset.
The Environmental Impact Statement for the Phoenix Pumped Hydro project will be lodged with the NSW Government later this year. Construction will commence once planning and environment approvals are granted, an offer to connect to the grid is obtained and contractor selection and financing is completed.
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