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 (320,000hp). 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:[1][2] The Kangaroo Valley and Bendeela 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 Origin Energy and the Sydney Catchment Authority.[1]
Kangaroo Valley Power Station
Kangaroo Valley Power Station in the Kangaroo Valley has two 80-megawatt (110,000hp)pump turbines, for a total electricity generating capacity of 160 megawatts (210,000hp). From Bendeela Pondage, the Kangaroo Valley Pumping and Power Station lifts water a further 480 metres (1,570ft) 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-megawatt (54,000hp) pump turbines, for a total of 80 megawatts (110,000hp) of electricity generating capacity. Bendeela Pumping and Power Station, located on the Kangaroo River arm of Lake Yarrunga, lifts water 127 metres (417ft) to Bendeela Pondage.
Environmental consequences
The Shoalhaven River and its main tributary the Kangaroo River. Tallowa Dam has been a barrier to migratory native fish with estuarine/marine juvenile stages, blocking species including Australian bass from more than 80% of their former range in the Shoalhaven system. Stockings of hatchery bred bass in Lake Yarrunga has been an attempt to remediate the situation.[citation needed] A fishway for Tallowa Dam has been discussed for more than 20 years but was not constructed until 2009.[3] Lake Yarrunga also contains exotic species such as carp, which are now present in high densities. A fish lift began operation in August 2009.[4]
