Hide message
EnergyAustralia today announced it had formed a strategic partnership with EDF power solutions Australia, to co-develop and deliver the Lake Lyell Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project (LLPHES) in Lithgow.
The joint venture announcement followed a rigorous process, with EDF power solutions chosen for its significant global experience and capability in the development and operation of pumped hydro energy storage assets.
If developed, the LLPHES Project would be capable of producing 385 megawatts (MW) of reliable dispatchable energy – enough to supply over 250,000 homes in New South Wales (NSW) for up to 8 hours.
Mark Collette, Managing Director of EnergyAustralia said: “Our purpose is to lead and accelerate the clean energy transformation for all. The LLPHES project is a major initiative as part of this transition, providing storage that will firm renewables. We recognise pumped hydro requires unique expertise to ensure it is developed and delivered efficiently, while considering the best interests of the local community and the wider state of NSW. This partnership will enable both EnergyAustralia and EDF Australia to lend their expertise to the continued development of this important Project.
“EnergyAustralia holds long term relationships with the Lithgow community, and we have built strong relationships with the community. We look forward to continuing to work with the community and local stakeholders.”
EDF power solutions Australia CEO Mr James Katsikas said the organisation brings deep international and local experience that uniquely positions it to help deliver the LLPHES project safely, efficiently and to a world-class standard.
“EDF Group is one of the world’s largest, diversified low-carbon energy producers. We own and operate over 20GWs of hydroelectric assets across the globe and are developing many more GWs. In Australia we are already leading the Dungowan PHES project near Tamworth, NSW, with 300 MWs and ten hours of storage that will support NSW’s energy transition,” he said.
“We will work with EnergyAustralia and all interested stakeholders to ensure that LLPHES becomes a model of sustainable development and a source of real pride for the region.”
EnergyAustralia and EDF power solutions Australia have created a joint venture to enable the continued development of the Project. Together, EnergyAustralia and EDF power solutions Australia own 100% of the Project, with EDF Australia having acquired a 75% equity interest. EnergyAustralia will retain first rights to the power offtake for LLPHES.
EnergyAustralia will continue to have responsibility for community, neighbour and stakeholder engagement and the Lithgow community as part of the project.
The Project is working towards its Environmental Impact Statement submission in 2025, with Final Investment Decision targeted for late 2026.
EnergyAustralia has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into its Mt Piper power station, which is today one of Australia’s most flexible coal-fired power stations, capable of reducing generation when renewables are abundant. EnergyAustralia is also developing a major utility scale battery at the Mt Piper site.
Media Enquiries
EnergyAustralia
03 9060 0079
mediarelations@energyaustralia.com.au
EDF power solutions Australia
Clare Wilkes
0435 918 441
About EnergyAustralia
At EnergyAustralia, our 2300 people are united by a clear purpose - to lead and accelerate the clean energy transformation for all.
We help keep the lights on for customers today, through our energy generation facilities powered by coal, gas and renewables, combined with large-scale storage. And we’re leading the delivery of the clean energy system of the future, with projects that will provide flexible generation and enable the growth of renewables. We’re making the transition simple for our 1.6 million customers.
About EDF power solutions Australia
The EDF Group is a key player in the energy transition, as an integrated energy operator engaged in all aspects of the energy business: power generation and storage, distribution, transmission, trading, energy sales and energy services. The Group is a world leader in low-carbon energy, with a low carbon output of 520.3TWh and a diverse generation mix including renewable energy and hydropower. We are investing in new technologies to support the energy transition. EDF’s raison d’être (mission) is to build a net zero energy future with electricity and innovative solutions and services, to help save the planet and drive well-being and economic development. The Group supplies energy and services to approximately 41.5 million customers (1) in 2024.
The EDF Group operates in more than 25 countries across Australia, Europe, North America, South America, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. In 2024, nearly 94% of the EDF Group's investments were in accordance with the EDF Group's low-carbon goals. We are committed to the energy transition globally.
With:
expertise of ~182,000 employees globally (including internal engineering units dedicated to providing centres of excellence across energy infrastructure types);
~ A$610 billion (~€365.2 billion) value of global assets and A$200 billion (€118.7 billion) turnover of the EDF Group;
~ 118.8 GW installed capacity worldwide, with 94% carbon free production; and
A$1.25 billion (€752 million) committed to research and development annually demonstrating our commitment to innovation and excellence.
We are uniquely placed to help the world achieve the energy transition.
Public acknowledgement and disclaimer: This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Pumped Hydro Recoverable Grants Program. The views expressed are not necessarily the views of the NSW Government. The NSW Government does not accept responsibility for any information or advice provided.