GHD partners with Queensland Hydro for pivotal role in Borumba pumped hydro storage project

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GHD and QLD Hydro at signing event
From left to right: Peter Josey, Mott MacDonald; David Watts, Queensland Hydro; Craig Berry, GHD; Kieran Cusack, Queensland Hydro; Roz Bird, GHD; Mark Cordell, Stantec.
GHD in partnership with Mott MacDonald and Stantec, has been appointed by Queensland Hydro as the Dams Designer Delivery Partner for the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project. This collaboration under the Water2Wire Joint Venture marks a significant milestone for Queensland’s renewable energy future and GHD’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

GHD, in partnership with Mott MacDonald and Stantec, has been appointed by Queensland Hydro as the Dams Designer Delivery Partner for the proposed Borumba Pumped Hydro Project. This collaboration, under the Water2Wire Joint Venture, marks a significant milestone for Queensland’s renewable energy future and GHD’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Formed to spearhead pumped hydro development across Queensland, Water2Wire will leverage the combined expertise of the partnership, bringing together significant Australian and international design capability to deliver design and engineering solutions for the Upper and Lower Borumba Dams.

The scope of work includes the design and engineering of seven proposed dams – six new dams to create a new upper reservoir and the construction of a new dam wall and spillway immediately downstream from the existing Borumba Dam. This strategic development is expected to increase water security and the capacity of Lake Borumba, strengthening the proposed energy storage scheme.

Water2Wire Joint Venture Representative and GHD South Queensland Region’s Operations Manager Craig Berry said, "We are thrilled to continue Water2Wire’s long-standing partnership with Queensland Hydro to collaboratively deliver the Borumba Pumped Hydro Dams and scheme, and contribute to sustainable renewable energy infrastructure for Queensland and lasting community benefits."

GHD's National Hydropower Sector Leader Helen Barbour-Bourne added, "With the successful appointment as the Borumba Dams Delivery Partner, GHD continues its pivotal role in this nationally significant pumped storage project, which is essential to advancing Australia’s energy transition."

Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack highlighted Water2Wire’s proven global experience in delivering hydropower and dam projects, such as the Kidston Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project. "Water2Wire has consistently demonstrated its expertise in delivering world-class hydropower and dam projects. The three joint venture companies will bring their significant dams and hydro design experience to our Borumba project, and we are excited to be partnering with them," he said.

This announcement represents the second package of works for the main works phase of the proposed $14.2 billion project, with construction slated to commence in 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Queensland Hydro is currently conducting studies as part of the Environmental Impact Statement process.

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GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 160 offices located on five continents.