ABC of Carbon Weekly Blog - H is for Hydro-Power

In Australia, the biggest and best example of hydro-electric power generation is undoubtedly the 'Snowy'. The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme is one of the most complex integrated water and hydro-electric power schemes in the world. It collects an stores the water that would normally flow east to the coast and diverts it through trans-mountain tunnels and power stations. The water is then released into the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers for irrigation. The scheme took 25 years to build and was completed in 1974. Sixteen major dams, seven power stations(two underground), a pumping station, 145 kilometers of aqueducts were constructed. Even before the Snowy was completed, it was named as one of the civil engineering wonders of the world. The scheme is operated and maintained by Snowy Hydro Limited. Today, the company continues to play a vital role in the growth and the development of Australia's national economy, by diverting water that underwrites over A$3 billion in agricultural produce and by generating clean renewable energy. Snowy Hydro currently provides over 70% of all renewable energy that is available to the eastern mainland grid of Australia, as well a providing fast response power to light up the morning and evening rush hours of Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide. Unfortunately, Australia does not have the suitable large water resources to produce as much of its energy from hydro as New Zealand. Hydroelectric generation currently accounts for approximately 60% of New Zealand's power. While the scope for new hydro developments on the scale of those built in the past is limited, hydro generation is likely to continue expanding by way of small to micro developments, according to a New Zealand Government Report.