Engineering design studies locate optimal powerhouse site and construction path
The lower reservoir location and boundaries sets a maximum capacity of 48GL. When 48GL is drained from the upper Cordeaux reservoir (300m elevation) to the lower reservoir constructed in the ocean, 35GWh of energy is generated with optimal configuration. However, measurement and calculation of construction cost design options was contracted to GHD (civil construction), ILF (hydraulic engineering) and AMOG (marine engineering) specialist engineering firms.
2GW/35GWh or 17.5hrs at max capacity
6 options considered, with the preferred:
- Single large tunnel at 15m diameter
- Turbine cavern under escarpment
- Large flow rate ~ 800m3/s or 2,880ML/hr
- Capital cost estimate $6B Pumped Hydro
- Capital cost estimate $2.5B port & lower reservoir
- 10 years to complete
