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Dungowan Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project

FAQs

At the community meeting held on 12 March 2025, the Dungowan Creek Alliance provided EDF Australia with a list of questions about the proposed Dungowan Pumped Hydro Project. In response, EDF has prepared answers to help clarify aspects of the project and address the issues raised. These questions and our responses are shared below.

We acknowledge the concerns expressed by members of the community. While we don’t have all the answers yet, we’ll keep sharing what we can as work on the project continues.

This page will be updated over time as investigations progress and more details become available. We'll aim to share information in ways that are useful and easy to access.

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FAQs

Transmission Lines

Have EnergyCo agreed that EDF can connect your transmission lines to their infrastructure, including 500kV line substations?

Connecting to EnergyCo’s proposed network is one of the options that the Project is assessing. Discussions between EDF Australia and EnergyCo are ongoing in respect of this option. While the Project will consider all potential connection points (including one with EnergyCo), the Project is not reliant on connecting to the EnergyCo network. Investigations are also underway to identify opportunities to tie-in to the existing Transgrid network.

How many landholders have signed, or indicated an intention to sign, contracts with EDF to host transmission lines?

Communications and agreements with individual landholders are commercial in confidence and we are unable to share this information. However, landholders are free to choose to host Project infrastructure or not. All landholders that will host the proposed Project infrastructure have chosen to do so and have not / will not be coerced into doing so. EDF Australia is a private developer and we do not have compulsory acquisition powers.

If the 330kV transmission lines are approved, who will build, own and maintain those lines?

At this stage EDF Australia intends to build, own and maintain the transmission line connecting the Project. In this regard, we note that EDF is one of the world’s largest owners of transmission network infrastructure. However, this may change as we progress development of the Project and analyse its connection options. The end result may be different, but we will commit to updating you on this topic regularly.

Where are the corridors under consideration for the 330kV transmission towers and wires? What route do they take? Please provide a map.

At this time, we don’t have a corridor that is progressed enough to share with the community. We are currently investigating a broad area with potential landholders and as this area becomes more focussed on a proposed alignment, we hope to be in a position to share something very soon.

Project Design and Construction

During construction, will EDF be drilling and/or blasting into the mountain?

Yes. The project will require underground tunnels and an underground power station. These are most likely to be constructed using a ‘drill and blast’ method, rather than tunnel boring machines. This is similar to underground mining techniques used extensively across Australia. The vertical shaft from the upper reservoir area to the underground power station will be constructed by raise boring technology.

These sorts of operations are well understood in Australia, and are tightly regulated to ensure they are safe, with methods adopted to minimal impacts to the surrounding community. Although the commencement of these activities may create some impacts, such as noise and dust generation, the vast majority of these works will be underground and result in no aboveground impacts.

How high and long will the reservoir walls be on “Saratoga” and “Carinya North”? what will be the maximum capacity of those reservoirs?

While the final design of the reservoirs has not been completed, and will vary as we investigate the underlying topography and geology of the site, the reservoirs circumference would be approximately between 2000 and 2500 meters. Embankment dams would be approximately 1000-1500m long and 15-20m high, on average.

The scheme, as currently designed, needs just over 3GL to operate. In the current concept design for the Project, we have oversized the upper reservoir to hold circa 4GL, which could be used for improved community water security during times of drought The final storage capacity will be determined in consultation with TRC over the coming 12-18 months.

Of what materials will the reservoirs and their walls be built?

While the detailed design of the reservoirs has not been completed, it is likely that they will be constructed from a rock and earth fill mixture, with a lining (concrete or other) on the inside to protect the structure and seal the reservoir. The rock and earth fill mixture will be sourced from the excavated materials for the reservoirs, with the intent to achieve a cut/fill balance at the site. This will reduce spoil waste, unnecessary truck movements and have a positive environmental outcome.

Once the power plant is operational, where will the power be coming from to run it?

The Project will be connected to the National Electricity Market via its transmission connection point, noting a number of connection options are currently being studied by the Project, as outlined in answer #4 above. When in pumping mode (i.e. moving water from the lower to upper reservoir), the power station will draw power from the electricity grid. This power consumed by the Project may be generated anywhere in the National Electricity Market, but most likely from nearby existing power generating assets (Northern NSW).

More information can be found on the Project website, here: www.dungowanpumpedhydro.com.au/pumped-hydro-energy-storage

Telecommunications in the valley are very poor due to little or no mobile coverage. With the increased number of people and traffic in the valley during construction, how will people communicate with the outside world during an emergency? For example, if there’s a car accident on Dungowan Dam Road?

We recognise the complexities of working in areas with limited communications. During surveys, our teams will have access to satellite phones and other suitable safety communication devices.

Additional communications towers may be installed to support the Project prior to commencing construction. This would be done in consultation with stakeholders and included in the Project assessment documentation. If there is interest from the community, we are open to discussing how the potential installation of additional communication towers could support both the Project and local connectivity.

The existing electricity distribution network in Ogunbil is fragile and could be overloaded with heavy use. During construction of your power station, where will power be coming from to run your site? Will you be using diesel generators or the existing fragile distribution lines?

It is likely that the Project will need to update the existing power lines to obtain the required reliability to support the Project. This will be considered as part of wider Project planning and the environmental impact statement (EIS) development, as well as part of our construction planning.

The project life is expected to be 50 years. What are the plans to decommission the plant after that? Who will pay? How will you fill in the cavern and tunnels you dig into the mountain?

EDF would be responsible for the decommissioning and rehabilitation of the site. We will be required by our conditions of consent to meet the relevant terms and conditions of the legislation of the day when decommissioning occurs, so the exact requirements are not yet known at this time. It should be noted that 50 years life expectancy is considered the minimum for a hydropower asset of this kind. These assets can normally run safely and efficiently for 80+ years if well maintained by skilled operators like EDF; with upgrades and refurbishments, this could extend to over a century.

As is standard with most major infrastructure projects, there would be a varied approach taken to different components of the project. Some elements, such as tunnels, may be left in situ once required safety standards have been met. The reservoirs may be left to incoming landholders, the Council of the time or for other community benefits, such as recreational uses. Regardless of the approach taken, this will be managed in close consultation with stakeholders including the relevant regulators of the time and the community.

What is the size and footprint of the construction site?

The main components of the scheme are:

• Two ‘off river’ water reservoirs, one in the valley and one on the plateau above the valley. The upper reservoir is currently designed to hold up to 4GL, the lower reservoir is currently designed to hold up to 3GL.

• An underground power station located approximately 500m below ground, almost directly under the upper reservoir.

• Waterway tunnels that connect the underground power station with the two water reservoirs.

• Tunnels to access the power station.

• A substation to electrically connect the power station to the transmission line.

The largest parts of the above surface infrastructure are the water reservoirs, which are approximately 20-25 hectares each in size.

What kind of strategies will EDF have in place to remediate the increased noise and dust from the Dungowan Dam Road and Ogunbil Road from increased traffic and local construction? For example, double glazing windows for houses close to the roads and site? Washing solar panels down on houses? Putting water on the unsealed road?

Local road upgrades will be considered as part of the EIS for the Project. EDF may need to widen or seal some local roads to ensure the safety of local road users, as well as our own construction workforce. For landholders whose amenity may be impacted by the increased traffic on the local roads, individual negotiations will be held to address concerns and work towards a mutually agreeable solution.

What other parties have partnered with EDF to develop and deliver the project to completion?

EDF Australia is the sole developer and owner of the proposed Project. As the Project matures, we may consider bringing other partners to the Project to share ownership.

What precautions will EDF be taking to protect the 70-year-old underground pipeline from the Dungowan Dam to Dungowan village, both on “Saratoga” and along Dungowan Dam Road?

Currently, we are investigating any potential impacts to the condition of the pipeline via our engineering feasibility study. It is, therefore, too early to say whether there will be any improvements required to the pipeline. However, discussions are ongoing on this topic with Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) and if improvements are required, then the Project will support this.

When will the project’s Scoping Report be ready and made public?

We are aiming to have the Scoping Report submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) by mid-2025. Our team will keep in touch with your committee regarding specific milestones such as this.

Will EDF be offering compensation to local landholders for loss of property values, quality of life, lifestyle and agricultural productivity due to your project? What about for increased home and farm insurance premiums and the loss of flood insurance?

We understand that potential impacts on property values, quality of life, lifestyle, agricultural productivity, and insurance premiums are significant concerns for the community. While compensation will be provided to landholders who directly host infrastructure on their properties as part of a commercial negotiation, we acknowledge that indirectly impacted landholders may also be concerned about potential impacts including noise, amenity, or insurance.

At this time, we have not yet finalised a compensation strategy for indirectly impacted landholders, as we are yet to discuss this topic with DPHI to better understand what requirements they may independently impose as part of the planning approval process. We know that uncertainties around compensation and insurance can cause anxiety, and we are committed to being open and transparent as more information becomes available.

Your partners Mirus Energy and Energy Estate have considered other sites in the Dungowan Valley for pumped hydro power stations. Is EDF considering those or other sites for pumped hydro in our valley?

EDF Australia is the sole developer and owner of the Project having purchased the Project from Mirus Energy and Energy Estate in 2023. Options that were previously being assessed for the Project are no longer being assessed by EDF Australia and EDF Australia has no plans to develop other Projects in and around the valley. EDF Australia is solely focussed on the location that is displayed on our website and was presented at the community drop-in session.

Water

By storing several gigalitres of water downstream of an aging Dungowan Dam, EDF is increasing the risk of death and loss of property in the event of a dam-wall failure. What plans do you have to mitigate that increased risk for people living in the valley? When do you plan to release those details to the public?

We understand that community safety is a critical concern, particularly when it comes to the potential risks associated with storing large volumes of water downstream of the existing Dungowan Dam. We recognise that the possibility of dam-wall failure and its potential impact on people living in the valley is a deeply important issue, and we want to address these concerns openly and transparently.

These sorts of risks relating to water storages will be assessed in great detail by the Project before any investment decision is made. All Local, State and Federal regulators will need to be comfortable with the final Project proposal, particularly in terms of safety (people and property) and the environment. Any approval process for new reservoirs will need to comply with existing dam safety regulations and requirements. The details of these processes, including public consultation, will be part of the State and Federal project planning and approvals.

We understand that the community is seeking clear and detailed information on how we plan to manage and mitigate these risks, and we are committed to providing updates as these assessments progress. We are also open to discussing this in more detail at a future targeted workshop focused on water management and safety, to ensure we address the community's specific concerns.

Downstream of “Saratoga”, people and livestock drink the water from the creek. If EDF plans to release environmental flows and/or overspill water into Dungowan Creek, how will EDF guarantee the quality of the water they are releasing?

Any water releases from the lower reservoir into the natural environment will need to be tightly controlled and monitored to ensure the Project is not degrading current catchment water quality. EDF Australia will be issued conditions of consent that include these strict requirements, as part of the final Project approval. EDF is very experienced in managing issues like this in multi-use environments similar to the Dungowan Creek, including hydropower schemes, drinking water and irrigation systems more broadly

There are currently no intentions to release any environmental flows. Overspill is unlikely due to the ability to regulate water between the upper and lower reservoirs.

EDF has told landholders it wants to store 5 gigalitres of water on site. Where is the water from the initial fill coming from? Where will the water to routinely top-up the reservoirs come from?

We understand that water is a key topic of concern for the community, and we are committed to addressing these questions in more detail at a targeted workshop.

As part of the design and environmental assessments for the Project, we are considering various sources of water to supply the initial fill and annual top ups. The source of water and water licensing options for these fills is currently under investigation with TRC and NSW State government to ensure that the Project can co-exist with existing community and private water rights and allocations.

The scheme, as currently designed, needs just over 3GL to operate. In the current concept design for the Project, we have oversized the upper reservoir to hold circa 4GL in case TRC would like to utilise part of the upper storage for improved community water security during times of drought. The final storage capacity will be determined in consultation with TRC over the coming 12-18 months.

EDF wants to store 5GL of water on site. The laws of physics say EDF needs 2.2GL to run its power station. What are EDF’s plans for the other unallocated 2.8GL of water?

As noted above, the scheme needs just over 3GL to operate but it has been oversized to 4GL in case the Tamworth Regional Council would like to utilise part of the upper storage for improved

community water security during times of drought. The final storage capacity will be determined in consultation with Council over the coming 12-18 months.

Has EDF been in discussions with Water NSW about your project? Did it include such topics as: obtaining water access licenses; whether they will let you dam Spring Gully; and, do they expect you to preserve existing water flows in Dungowan Creek?

EDF Australia has performed preliminary (internal) analysis on the challenges of water supply security for the Project. We are in the very early stages of engaging with organisations such as Water NSW. All the issues highlighted in the question will need to be addressed in detail as Project development progresses, and details of these processes, including public consultation, will be part of the State and Federal project planning and approvals.

In the event of a large rain event, what measures will be in place to ensure that runoff from your site will not cause Dungowan Creek to silt up?

During construction, the site will be managed under an extensive erosion and sediment control plan, which will be implemented at all times. This will require a ‘large weather event’ plan, which will include specific measures, roles and responsibilities for when events of a certain size are forecast. This may include stopping works, installing booms or other measures.

Due to the proposed design of the reservoirs, overspill of water from the reservoirs themselves is very unlikely.

Tamworth Regional Council owns Dungowan Dam and several properties in front of the dam. Has EDF been in discussions with Tamworth Council about accessing or using that land and/or water?

Yes, EDF Australia has been in regular contact with Council about water strategy and opportunities to use available land. This is an ongoing discussion and will continue through the development and construction of the Project.

Wells and aquifers downstream rely on runoff from gullies like Spring Gully to replenish them. How will EDF guarantee the existing water flow to downstream water users, aquifers / wells and the environment?

The reservoirs in the schemes are not dams in the traditional sense. They are artificial water storage reservoirs that are designed to not materially interact with the natural aquatic environment,

particularly when it comes to harvesting water. Where there is an interaction with the natural aquatic environment (e.g. ground water or direct rainfall over the reservoir) our Project approvals require us to describe those interactions and manage them to ensure the Project does not degrade the rights of existing users (people and environment). All of the issues highlighted in the question will need to be addressed in detail as Project development progresses. Details of these processes, including public consultation, will be part of the State and Federal project planning and approvals.

What measures will be in place to protect water quality to Dungowan Creek in the event of chemical or fuel spills?

During construction and operation of the proposed facility, EDF Australia and its future construction contractors will be required to comply with the relevant conditions of consent, granted by the State and Federal governments. These conditions will include requirements to implement effective management plans for events such as spills. Although the lower reservoir may appear to be close to Dungowan Creek, it will be set back a distance that will allow for the Project to protect against these sorts of risks. Measures such as spill kits and clean up requirements will be in place for small losses of containment. In the event of a larger loss of containment, measures such as booms may be applied. These are standard methods used in construction projects across Australia.

Roads

During construction, EDF will be a heavy user of our local roads. Will EDF be maintaining these roads during construction, for example Dungowan Dam Road, Ogunbil Road and the Port Stephens Cutting? Or contributing to the cost of maintaining those roads?

We understand that the use and maintenance of local roads is a significant concern and a key interest for the community, especially during the construction phase of the Project. We recognise that increased heavy vehicle traffic can impact road conditions and safety, and we are committed to working collaboratively with the community, Council, and the State Government to ensure any impacts are minimised and managed in a way that aligns with local expectations.

EDF Australia will be assessing the need for road upgrades as part of the project EIS. In addition to any potential road upgrades, it is likely that Council and/or the State government will require EDF to pay into road maintenance funds.

What are the expected hourly vehicle movements on Dungowan Dam Road, Ogunbil Road and the Port Stephens Cutting during construction? Does it vary according to time of day or night?

It is currently too early in the Project development lifecycle to accurately know this information. As part of the EIS, traffic and transport is being assessed, which will calculate these numbers. The numbers are likely to vary depending on the time of day.

Currently project planning is to have two construction sites: one at the upper reservoir and one at the lower reservoir. This would reduce the number of heavy vehicle movements between the sites and also avoid the Port Stephens Cutting as much as possible. This is currently under investigation as part of the project design and EIS process.

What measures will EDF put in place to ensure the safety of local road users from its increased traffic? Locals and others use our roads to move stock, ride horses, deliver mail and parcels, commute, and for school buses, pedestrians, bike riders, cattle trucks, tractors, dog walkers etc.

We understand that road safety is a major concern for the community, especially with the diverse range of local road users, including those moving stock, riding horses, delivering mail and parcels, commuting, and using the roads for school buses, cycling, walking, and agricultural activities. We recognise that increased traffic from the Project could cause disruptions and safety risks, and we want to be transparent about how we plan to address these challenges.

As part of a global organisation that is experienced with delivering a range of socially impactful infrastructure types, EDF Australia takes safety seriously. As described above, traffic and transport will be assessed as part of the EIS. This will consider matters such as the different users of the roads and school bus routes. As part of the EIS, management and mitigation measures will be presented. At this time, it is too early to say exactly what these will be specifically, but they will actively consider the safety of all road users.

We know that ensuring safe road use during construction will require practical and locally informed solutions, and we are keen to hear from the community as we shape our approach to road safety as planning progresses.

Environment

All these endangered and vulnerable species will be severely impacted by the clearing of vegetation and associated excavation works in and around the Saratoga / Carinya North sites. How does EDF plan to address that impact?

All potential impacts to species will be considered as part of the EIS. EDF and our consultants are already in discussions with the State government about appropriate methodologies for some of these species that may be encountered. As with all environmental and social impacts, these will be assessed, with appropriate management and mitigation measures identified. These may include biodiversity offsets (which EDF will be required to undertake as part of the project approval), research programs and others.

At this stage it is too early in the assessment to provide clear guidance on this; however, we also recognise the value of local knowledge and are keen to understand how the community would like to be involved in providing input and sharing observations. Your insights can help shape how we approach biodiversity protection, and we are open to suggestions on how best to involve the community as we move forward.

Many animals that have been declared endangered or vulnerable in NSW live in our valley. The EIS study for the new Dungowan Dam in 2020 found koalas, platypus, spotted quoll, squirrel and greater glider, and frogs such as Booroolong and Davis tree frog. That study also had a long list of vulnerable bird species. For several months now, EDF has had scientists examining the environment on Saratoga and surrounds, what have those experts found?

We understand that protecting wildlife and preserving biodiversity is an important concern for the community, particularly given the presence of vulnerable and endangered species in the valley. We recognise that local knowledge and firsthand observations play a critical role in understanding the area’s unique ecology, and we are interested in hearing from community members about species they have observed or are particularly concerned about. On other EDF projects, targeted biodiversity workshops, similar to the water workshop we have discussed, have been undertaken to gain local input and work together to ensure the investigation undertaken through Project development. Please let us know if this is of interest and we can work together.

Biodiversity surveys commenced in October 2024 and have continued through spring and summer, focusing on the sites of the proposed upper and lower reservoirs. This has included surveys to identify vegetation communities present. Initial findings indicate the presence of the endangered community White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland. We are in the process of finalising the vegetation community mapping over the coming months.

Targeted surveys (including nocturnal) have also been undertaken for threatened species with potential to occur, including the deployment of motion sensors cameras and bat call detectors. There is potential for Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri), Large Bent-winged Bat (Miniopterus orianae oceanensis), Southern Myotis (Myotis macropus), Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), and Eastern Cave Bat (Vespadelus troughtoni) to be present on or near the site and, as such, additional surveys (including harp trapping) will be undertaken next summer.

We are now analysing the results of these surveys and will use these to inform avoidance and mitigation measures as we develop the Project design. Our survey program is ongoing with additional vegetation mapping to be undertaken and targeted seasonal surveys extending into summer 2026.

Engineer working in orange high vis jacket

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