The evening of Wednesday 29th May 2019 saw a presentation on the Snowy 2.0 pumped-hydro power scheme in the Snowy Mountains. The scheme will add significant additional generating and storage capacity to the network, securing system stability at times of peak demand. This was a joint presentation between the ATS and the Victorian Civil College, which linked together very well due to the extensive tunnelling requirements of the project, and the complexities of a major hydro power development. The presentation was given by a number of protagonists involved in the project, encompassing the likes of design, geotechnical and technical elements, and also addressed the logistical challenges of the major ground investigation program recently undertaken. The project is now into the Detailed Design stage having recently been awarded to a contractor who will undertake the construction of the tunnels and other underground works, as well as associated civil works. The headrace, tailrace and pressure shaft tunnels will be constructed predominantly by TBM, there will also be drill and blast tunnels and a 250m long by 30m wide and 50m high power station cavern.
The speakers were, Dave Evans (Director of Engineering, Snowy 2.0), Damon Miller (Associate Engineer, SMEC), Helen Barbour-Bourne (Associate Engineering Geologist, GHD) and Daniel Kamphorst (Site Investigation Manager, Snowy 2.0). The session was hosted by Scott Carne of the Victorian Civil College and Richard Buckingham, Chair of the Victorian Branch of the ATS.
