Shoalhaven Scheme - Power Generation

Power Generation

In addition to its water supply capabilities which supplements water supplies to the Sydney area, the Shoalhaven Scheme also comprises two hydro-power facilities, with total generating capacity of 240 megawatts (320,000 hp). The flexibility of the scheme is that it can operate as either a pump or a generator. During off peak periods, it utilises excess electricity from the grid to pump water back up to the reservoir(s) as pumped storage. The two power stations are:

• Kangaroo Valley Power Station in the Kangaroo Valley has two 80 megawatts (110,000 hp) pump turbines, for a total electricity generating capacity of 160 megawatts (210,000 hp). From Bendeela Pondage, Kangaroo Valley Pumping and Power Station lifts water a further 480 metres (1,570 ft) to Fitzroy Falls Reservoir via a tunnel, shaft, pipeline, and canal. Water available for hydro-electric power generation is discharged back down the conduits, driving turbines as it returns to Bendeela Pondage and then Lake Yarrunga.
• Bendeela Power Station has two 40 megawatts (54,000 hp) pump turbines, for a total of 80 megawatts (110,000 hp) of electricity generating capacity. Bendeela Pumping and Power Station is located on the Kangaroo River arm of Lake Yarrunga, lifts water 127 metres (417 ft) to Bendeela Pondage.

The power stations were completed in 1977 as a joint project between the Electricity Commission of New South Wales and the NSW Metropolitan Water Sewerage and Drainage Board. Management has subsequently been passed from those bodies to Eraring Energy and the Sydney Catchment Authority.