Koombooloomba Hydro Project

Grid-connected, distributed generation
Location: Far-North Queensland

Energy offering

The Koombooloomba Dam, operational since 1960, provided an ideal opportunity to maximise the use of this renewable resource to increase the amount of renewable energy generated by Stanwell Corporation.

Technology

The hydro project comprises a 7 MW hydro turbine (semi-kaplan type) made in Finland, an 8 MVA generator (vertical shaft) made in the USA, an 8 MVA transformer (6.6kV to 22kV) made in Australia, a 2.3 metre Dia inlet valve (24 t) made in Australia, a rated turbine pressure of 34 metres, a flow rate of 20,000 litres per second (equivalent to filling an Olympic swimming pool in one minute), a rated shaft speed of 375 rpm, a turbine runner (propeller type, variable pitch, 1.9 metre diameter with six blades), and an 18 metre high powerhouse with a 10.6 metre diameter.

Energy purchase and supply

Annually Koombooloomba Hydro releases 364 billion litres of water (equivalent to 250,000 Olympic swimming pools) from Koombooloomba Dam, generating 22,500 MWh of green energy per annum. The power is exported to the local grid via a 17 kilometre long 22kV transmission line which was installed by Power Serve.

Environmental impact

The project will save 350,000 tonnes of coal and 840,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its 40-year lifespan (approximately 120,000 tonnes per annum).