Hydropower has quietly underpinned Australia’s energy system for nearly a century, delivering reliability across generations. Because it has always been there, its essential role is often overlooked — yet these assets remain the backbone that keeps the system stable when other technologies falter.

With the amount of variable renewable energy – especially solar power - now on the Australian grid, large capacity long duration energy storage is required at an unprecedented scale to ensure back-up when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow, and to store it when we have too much for the grid to handle. At present, many pumped storage projects are being considered and developed, but the market alone will not deliver. These projects need a supportive policy environment to get over the line.

To support Australia’s energy grid, and keep the lights on, IHA’s President, Malcolm Turnbull will convene a gathering in Canberra to discuss with Senators, Members, policymakers, and key industry representatives what is required to best support Australia’s energy future.  

This meeting will be held to recognise hydropower’s important role in Australia to date and what is required from government to enable new pumped storage to ensure the grid of the future.  

A strategic, government-enabled pipeline of pumped storage development and hydropower refurbishment will:

• Secure Australia’s renewable energy transition.
• Anchor reliability and resilience in the NEM.
• Provide employment and investment in regional communities.
• Create domestically produced long-life assets that protect consumers from fuel price shocks or over-reliance on rare earth materials.
• Ensure Australia has sufficient deep storage to avoid blackouts and system stress.

If you would like to participate in the event, please email: events@hydropower.org