AFRY and Aurecon Team Up for Queensland’s Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project

AFRY and Aurecon Team Up for Queensland’s Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project

(IN BRIEF) AFRY and Aurecon have partnered to design the Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project in Queensland, Australia. Awarded by Queensland Hydro, the project will provide 2,000 MW of electricity for 24 hours with a storage capacity of 48,000 MWh, supporting the state’s shift to renewable energy. The joint venture between AFRY and Aurecon will bring their combined expertise to ensure the project’s safety, reliability, and efficiency. Design and construction are set to begin in 2025, with operations expected by 2031.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOLNA, 18-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Queensland Hydro has awarded the AFRY and Aurecon Joint Venture (JV) the contract to design the Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project, which is set to play a key role in stabilizing Australia’s energy grid as the state of Queensland shifts towards renewable energy. The project will provide up to 2,000 MW of electricity for 24 hours with a storage capacity of 48,000 MWh, ensuring a reliable and consistent energy supply.

Located at Lake Borumba, approximately 180 km from Brisbane, the Borumba Pumped Hydro project will serve as a cornerstone for Queensland’s energy transition, positioning it as one of the largest renewable energy storage initiatives in the region. The design contract, with an estimated order value of SEK 128 million for AFRY, will be carried out by the AFRY-Aurecon JV, which brings complementary expertise to ensure the project’s success.

The Borumba project is scheduled to begin its design and construction phase in 2025, with commercial operations expected by early 2031. The partnership between AFRY and Aurecon is set to deliver a world-class hydro storage system that prioritizes safety, reliability, and technical innovation.

Kieran Cusack, CEO of Queensland Hydro, praised the collaboration, stating, “We’re excited to partner with AFRY and Aurecon, whose global expertise in infrastructure and clean energy is a perfect match for our Borumba Pumped Hydro Project. Their design will focus on the critical technical elements, ensuring that the project is robust and reliable for years to come.”

AFRY’s Vice President for Hydropower Asia/Pacific, Knut Sierotzki, emphasized the project’s importance: “The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project will be a game-changer for Queensland, and we’re proud to contribute our hydropower expertise alongside Aurecon to support the state’s renewable energy future.”

Paul Gleeson, Managing Director of Energy at Aurecon, echoed this sentiment, noting that long-duration pumped hydro storage is critical for balancing the renewable energy grid: “Aurecon is proud to support Queensland’s ambitious renewable energy goals with this transformative project.”

The Borumba Pumped Hydro project marks a significant step forward in Australia’s clean energy transition, providing both long-term energy storage and stability to the electricity grid, while supporting the region’s commitment to sustainability.

AFRY provides engineering, design, digital and advisory services to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable society. We are 19,000 devoted experts in industry, energy and infrastructure sectors, creating impact for generations to come. AFRY has Nordic roots with a global reach, net sales of 27 BSEK and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. Making Future

Media Contacts:

Knut Sierotzki
Vice President Hydropower Asia/Pacific & Country Manager Australia
knut.sierotzki@afry.com

Virginia Ferrari
Communications Manager, Energy Division
virginia.ferrari@afry.com

SOURCE: AFRY