AGL Southern Hydro has commenced construction of the Bogong Power Development that enhances the existing value of its Kiewa Hydro electric scheme near Mt Beauty.
The project involves the construction of a new power station on the shore of Lake Guy regulating pondage and connecting it to the outlet of the existing McKay Creek Power Station via a 6.9km tunnel.
Key benefits of the scheme are:
- Additional 140 MW of ultra fast response peak capacity that is highly suitable for the sharp spikes in demand witnessed in Victoria
- Generation of 94,000 MWh of emission-free new renewable electricity each year thereby abating in excess of 93,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions
- Reduced need for the construction of fossil-fuel power stations to provide additional peak hour capacity
- Reinstatement of flows in the Pretty Valley branch of the East Kiewa River closer to natural conditions and restoration of previously degraded land
- Economic benefits to the region through increased employment and multiplier effects
- Potential tourism benefits
AGL Southern Hydro is committed to the adoption of Best Practice Environmental Management procedures. A comprehensive Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) was prepared for this significant project, involving extensive consultation with all interested stakeholders. The development of the project concept, and its environmental assessment, was guided by a set of sustainability goals and objectives. Whilst delivering a net environmental gain to the area, investigations have also shown that the study area did not contain any threatened or endangered flora and fauna species.
Detailed investigations that were undertaken included detailed terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna surveys and studies of the area's geomorphology and geology, surface water and ground water systems, climate and meteorological conditions, greenhouse gas abatement implications, noise and vibration, socioeconomics and tourism, landscape and visual character, cultural heritage values and planning considerations.
The approval to proceed with the project was granted only after potential environmental impacts could be shown to be able to be effectively managed.
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