Queensland Hydro Reveals First Look at Pioneer-Burdekin Project

Queensland Hydro has recently released artist impressions of the proposed lower reservoir of the Pioneer-Burdekin Project. These visualisations offer a first glimpse of what could become a significant renewable energy facility in the region.
Queensland Hydro has said it will put in place mitigation strategies to reduce the visual impact of the project if it proceeds.
"We committed to developing visualisations of the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Project so the community could see how it may look. We can now share the artist impressions of the proposed lower reservoir," stated a Queensland Hydro representative.
"When viewing these artist impressions, especially of the proposed lower reservoir dam wall, remember there are many ways the visual impact would be mitigated if the project receives approval."
The initial impressions depict an unmitigated view of the project, but Queensland Hydro assures the community that various strategies will be explored to enhance the visual appeal.
"We have decided for these first impressions to show the unmitigated view. However, Queensland Hydro will explore and expand on existing ideas to mitigate the view as our plans and initial investigations progress," the representative added.
Some of the suggestions received so far include strategic planting near the proposed dam wall, murals and public art, vertical gardens, and green plating walls.
"We are always open to receiving feedback and ideas from the community so please get in touch if you have suggestions.”
As discussions about the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project continue, there have been remarks highlighting its potential as the world's largest hydro facility in terms of storage and generation. However, Queensland Hydro clarifies that this does not equate to the largest surface area or footprint.
The project is poised to produce more energy than any other pumped hydro facility worldwide, but its surface footprint remains relatively compact. Queensland Hydro has said that this compact size is offset by the facility's capacity to generate unprecedented amounts of reliable renewable energy.
Key factors contributing to this efficiency include a 700-meter elevation difference and short tunnel lengths between the lower and upper reservoirs, approximately 5 kilometres compared to the Snowy 2.0 Scheme tunnels at 27 kilometres. Additionally, the facility will house up to 16 underground turbines, capable of storing and circulating water to generate electricity on demand, ensuring power availability when solar and wind sources are inactive.
The community is encouraged to stay engaged and provide input as Queensland Hydro moves forward with its initial investigation on the viability of this project.
Geotechnical investigations and environmental studies continue across both the proposed upper and lower reservoirs. The drill rigs in the upper reservoir areas are investigating proposed locations for dam foundations and waterway tunnels.  The lower reservoir site investigations are collecting core samples in proposed locations for the Mackay Eungella Road realignment and the proposed dam.  

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Proposed lower reservoir from Goodes Lookout – 6-8 hours after pumping. The surface area of the lower reservoir is about half the size of nearby Kinchant Dam. Images supplied: Queensland Hydro
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Proposed lower reservoir wall from Mackay-Eungella Road towards Netherdale. This image is shown approximately 400 metres from the lower reservoir wall. The wall height is based on early design work and expected to be 65 metres, similar to the height of nearby Teemburra Dam

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