Hydro Tasmania has reinitiated the approval process for its Cethana pumped hydro project, a key component of its Battery of the Nation strategy. This project, which aims to generate 750 megawatts (MW) of power with 20 hours of storage capacity, is set to support Tasmania’s and Victoria’s renewable energy goals. The company had previously withdrawn its referral to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act in early 2025, but has now resubmitted its application following revisions to the project’s scope.
The Cethana project was first proposed in 2019 as one of three pumped hydro initiatives intended to enhance energy storage and reliability. The latest referral comes after a swift assessment by federal authorities, which determined that the project required EPBC oversight within just one month in 2023. Hydro Tasmania attributes the need for a new referral to updated geotechnical and engineering assessments that have expanded the project’s footprint.
Project Details and Environmental Considerations
As part of the Mersey Forth Hydropower Scheme, the Cethana project will utilize Lake Cethana as a lower storage reservoir, while a new off-river upper storage facility will be constructed on the plateau to the west. This plan is intricately linked to the future Marinus Link, an undersea transmission cable designed to connect Tasmania and Victoria’s energy networks.
The environmental implications of this project are significant. A portion of the proposed transmission line runs through the Mount Roland Regional Reserve, necessitating approval from the state parks authority. Additionally, the Tasmanian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has initiated a rigorous assessment process due to the project’s potential complexity and public interest.
The revised plans indicate that the project will require the clearing of up to 335.5 hectares (ha) of native vegetation, including wet and dry eucalypt forests and rare highland Poa grassland. This environmental impact assessment highlights the need to relocate several rare plant species, as well as manage potential habitat disturbances for endangered species such as the Tasmanian devil and the spotted-tailed quoll. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the exposure of acid-forming materials in spoil stockpiles.
Community Engagement and Future Steps
Despite the lengthy timeline since the project’s initial proposal, Hydro Tasmania has engaged extensively with local communities and stakeholders from 2019 to 2022. The company conducted various feasibility studies and community consultations to refine its plans. Although this process has taken longer than anticipated, Hydro Tasmania has emphasized that it is crucial for ensuring the project’s alignment with environmental and community standards.
The company has now submitted its development application to the local council, marking a significant step forward in the planning process. As Hydro Tasmania works through the complexities of the EPBC referral and the associated environmental assessments, it remains committed to advancing its renewable energy initiatives in Tasmania and beyond. The Cethana project represents a vital effort to enhance energy storage capabilities and support a sustainable energy future for the region.
