• Stanwell is set to acquire the Cressbrook Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project (the ‘Big-T’), in a joint venture with an established global pumped hydro operator. 

• Located at Lake Cressbrook, 64km south of Stanwell’s Tarong power stations, the pumped hydro facility will generate 400 MW of clean energy for up to 10 hours. 

• The project will support up to 350 jobs during construction and 13 jobs over the life of the project. 

Stanwell and an established global pumped hydro operator are set to join forces to purchase Cressbrook Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) Project – also known as ‘Big T’ – from pumped hydro developer, BE Power. 

The proposed project at Lake Cressbrook, 45km northeast of Toowoomba, is in its early stages of development. The joint venture will progress the project to a final investment decision. As part of the joint venture arrangements, Stanwell will dispatch the energy generated by Cressbrook PHES. 

The project is expected to bring significant benefits to the Toowoomba and Somerset regions, with 350 construction jobs created and 13 operational roles needed over the life of the project. 

Stanwell’s Asset Maintenance Company will also be given preference to service and maintain the facility over its projected 50-year operational life. 

Additional investment partners will be sought to help fund the construction. Cressbrook PHES is anticipated to commence operations in mid-2033 and would meet approximately 25 per cent of Stanwell’s future energy storage requirements. 

Quotes attributable to Michael O’Rourke, Stanwell’s Chief Executive Officer: 

“The development of medium duration energy storage, like pumped hydro, is crucial to enable the continued build out of renewable energy generation,” Mr O’Rourke said. 

“Cressbrook PHES also supports the ongoing development of our Tarong Clean Energy Hub.” 

Further information: 

The project will use Lake Cressbrook as the lower reservoir with a new upper reservoir constructed on land, that will be owned by Stanwell and our project partner, 2.1km northeast of the lake. 

During periods of high electricity demand or to firm the grid, up to 6.4GL of water would be released from the upper reservoir downstream into Lake Cressbrook, driving two 200 MW turbines for a period of up to 10 hours. Once this cycle is complete, the upper reservoir will be replenished with water pumped from Lake Cressbrook in readiness for the next release.