• About
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Events
Monday, June 23, 2025
Newsletter
SUBSCRIBE
  • News
    • Events
  • Features
  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Renewables
    • Batteries & Storage
    • Hydro Power
    • Hydrogen
    • Solar
    • Wind
  • Smart Energy
No Results
View All Results
  • News
    • Events
  • Features
  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Renewables
    • Batteries & Storage
    • Hydro Power
    • Hydrogen
    • Solar
    • Wind
  • Smart Energy
No Results
View All Results
Home News

Bells Mountain pumped hydro study progresses

by Imogen Hartmann
April 19, 2021
in Electricity, Hydro Power, News, Projects, Renewable Energy, Spotlight, Sustainability
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

AGL and Idemitsu are nearing completion on the initial phase of the feasibility study for the proposed 250MW Bells Mountain pumped hydro project at Muswellbrook.  

The preliminary engineering study began in 2019 to determine whether the project is technically feasible, provide cost estimates for both construction and operation, and assess the required planning and approval processes. 

AGL Chief Operating Officer, Markus Brokhof, said AGL views the project as potentially beneficial to the community and Australia’s energy transition.  

“As we transition to more renewable energy sources, pumped hydro provides a reliable on-demand generation source,” Mr Brokhof said.  

“We have worked closely with Muswellbrook Shire Council throughout this study and I’d like to thank them for their role in identifying the option. 

“AGL is proud to be part of this Upper Hunter community and is committed to investing in the region through projects like pumped hydro which will contribute to jobs and the region’s future in energy generation. 

“Through both thermal and renewable generation, our regional communities play an instrumental role in enabling AGL to deliver reliable and affordable energy right across Australia.  

“This study is part of our commitment to deliver a mix of technologies to the energy system and aligns with our Climate Statement and target of net-zero emissions by 2050.” 

Indemitsu Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Walsh, said the results from the preliminary phase of the feasibility study are promising and that the business is investigating further renewable energy development and export opportunities through its subsidiary Idemitsu Renewable Development Australia (IRDA). 

“We have established IRDA which will leverage our global expertise from our parent company Idemitsu Kosan to ensure we can continue to contribute to regional communities like Muswellbrook where mining commenced some 113 years ago,” Mr Walsh said.  

“Innovative rehabilitation solutions such as the reuse of mine voids as proposed with the Bells Mountain pumped hydro project ensure that sites like Muswellbrook can continue to generate investment and long term employment.” 

Pumped hydro works by circulating water from the lower reservoir in a mine void into an upper storage site. Upon demand, water is released and uses gravity to turn turbines and generate electricity. 

Following completion of the preliminary study, AGL and Idemitsu intend to proceed with completion of a full feasibility study including a targeted geotechnical drilling program, detailed design of the project, contractor engagement and securing the critical environmental approvals.  

The full feasibility study is the next phase towards potential completion of the project in 2027.

Related Posts

Image: Zarlow Photography/stock.adobe.com

A win for renewables in WA Budget

by Sarah MacNamara
June 23, 2025

The Western Australian Government has unveiled its 2025–26 Budget, which includes substantial investments in to help make the state a...

Image: sharonwills/stock.adobe.com

Green light for ElectraNet’s REZ expansion

by Sarah MacNamara
June 23, 2025

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has approved ElectraNet’s proposed $45.7 million Stage 1a early works for its Mid North South...

Image: Yermek/stock.adobe.com

Federal Government to reform default market offer

by Sarah MacNamara
June 23, 2025

The Federal Government has opened consultation on its proposed reforms to the default market offer (DMO), aimed at ensuring customers...

Read our magazine

Join our newsletter

View our privacy policy, collection notice and terms and conditions to understand how we use your personal information.
Energy is a thought-leading, technology-neutral magazine, developed to help the industry answer some of the Energy sector critical questions it is currently grappling with.

Subscribe to our newsletter

View our privacy policy, collection notice and terms and conditions to understand how we use your personal information.

About Energy

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Digital Magazine
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Collection Notice
  • Privacy Policy

Popular Topics

  • News
  • Spotlight
  • Renewable Energy
  • Electricity
  • Projects
  • Networks
  • Sustainability
  • Gas

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited

No Results
View All Results
NEWSLETTER
SUBSCRIBE
  • News
    • Events
  • Features
  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Renewables
    • Batteries & Storage
    • Hydro Power
    • Hydrogen
    • Solar
    • Wind
  • Smart Energy
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Events
  • Newsletter

© 2025 All Rights Reserved. All content published on this site is the property of Prime Creative Media. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited