Overview
Kangaroo Valley (Shoalhaven Scheme) is a 160 MW hydroelectric power plant in New South Wales, Australia, operated by Eraring Energy. It is part of the Shoalhaven Scheme, a pumped-storage hydro project.
Kangaroo Valley (Shoalhaven Scheme) is a hydroelectric power plant located in New South Wales, Australia, with a capacity of 160 MW. The facility is owned and operated by Eraring Energy and is part of the larger Shoalhaven Scheme, which includes a pumped-storage hydroelectric system. This plant plays a key role in the region's renewable energy generation. The Shoalhaven Scheme utilizes water from the Kangaroo River and Lake Yarrunga, with the power station situated underground. The plant's technology is typical of pumped-storage hydroelectric facilities, which allow for energy storage and grid stabilization. Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) provides the regulatory framework for this facility, with oversight from the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and compliance with national environmental laws. As a renewable energy source, the Kangaroo Valley plant contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Australian energy mix. Its pumped-storage capability enables it to provide peaking power and grid stability, supporting the integration of variable renewable sources like wind and solar. The facility is an important asset for New South Wales' energy infrastructure.
Environmental context
The Kangaroo Valley plant operates as a hydroelectric facility with zero direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions during power generation. However, the construction of dams and reservoirs can alter local aquatic ecosystems and water flows. The plant is located in a rural area with low population density, reducing local air quality impacts. Its pumped-storage design allows for efficient energy storage, supporting the transition to a low-carbon grid.
Frequently asked questions
The Kangaroo Valley (Shoalhaven Scheme) hydroelectric plant is located in New South Wales, Australia, near the town of Kangaroo Valley. It is part of the Shoalhaven Scheme, which includes a pumped-storage hydroelectric system.
The Kangaroo Valley hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 160 megawatts (MW). It is a pumped-storage facility that can generate electricity during peak demand periods.
The Kangaroo Valley (Shoalhaven Scheme) power plant is owned and operated by Eraring Energy, a state-owned corporation in New South Wales, Australia.
Hydroelectric plants in Australia must comply with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) for projects that may impact nationally significant environmental matters. State-level regulations also apply, such as the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, which governs water quality and emissions.
Pumped-storage hydroelectricity works by using two water reservoirs at different elevations. During periods of low electricity demand, excess energy is used to pump water from the lower to the upper reservoir. When demand is high, water is released from the upper reservoir to generate electricity through turbines.