Innovative thinking for a clean energy future

The project uses an existing water catchment, the Cordeaux Reservoir, as the upper reservoir, leveraging an existing water source. Water is released from the upper reservoir to create energy and pumped back into the reservoir using renewable sources.

No water is diverted from the drinking supply, and controlled movement of water between the upper and lower reservoirs does not significantly affect the overall water levels or water quality in the existing reservoir.

The lower reservoir is an artificial freshwater lake built adjacent to Port Kembla. The reservoir will be built in the ocean, with complete separation from salt water via a solid breakwater. The reservoir capacity is estimated at between 34 gigalitres and 48 gigalitres, depending on the removal of sand at the base of the reservoir site. Building a lower reservoir would increase the water storage volume of Cordeaux Reservoir by 50%, providing water security and flood mitigation benefits. Using freshwater creates a closed-loop system, where the lower reservoir is simply an extension of the upper reservoir.

Energy generation will be via an underground cavern power station located under the escarpment, housing water intakes, turbines, transformers, pumping machinery and associated infrastructure. A single 14-kilometre-long tunnel connects the two reservoirs. The tunnels serve an additional function as drainage to divert flood waters from the Hawkesbury–Nepean, reducing flood risk.

By harnessing the power of gravity and water, the innovative configuration of this system offers numerous benefits for both the ecosystem and the local community. Firstly, by using existing reservoirs, the project does not require the construction of a new terrestrial reservoir or significant alterations to the landscape, minimising the impact on natural habitats and ecosystems.

The natural altitude differentiation of the Illawarra escarpment enables a project design focusing on tunneling rather than large-scale excavation or deforestation, preserving the aesthetic beauty and ecological integrity of the surrounding area.

The use of an existing freshwater reservoir and a freshwater lower reservoir built in the ocean ensures the preservation of aquatic biodiversity and maintains the delicate balance of the ecosystem. It also means no new dams, other alterations to the natural flow of rivers and creeks, or diverting water away from the drinking water catchment.

The project’s design focuses on the controlled movement of water between the upper and lower reservoirs, which allows the native flora and fauna to continue thriving undisturbed, maintaining the delicate balance of the aquatic ecosystem.

mc² Energy believes in thorough, responsible science and has completed a preliminary Environmental Review (available on request). A notable finding is the lower reservoir seabed is 97.4% covered by sand.

There will be further rigorous environmental assessments and scientific studies undertaken during the feasibility study stage of project development. Following those studies, the project will be put forward for Environmental Impact Studies at State and Commonwealth levels.