Australian utility Alinta Energy has appointed Gamuda from Malaysia and Spain's Ferrovial Construction as early contractor involvement (ECI) partners for its 900-MW Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro project in New South Wales.
The two engineering firms will assist Alinta with project design and initial procurement as part of advancing the renewable energy storage project, which is the most developed pumped hydro initiative in New South Wales.
The Oven Mountain project, positioned within the New England Renewable Energy Zone, will feature eight hours of energy storage capacity, supporting New South Wales in transitioning from coal to renewable energy sources.
According to Alinta's project director Anthony Wiseman, the current phase is focused on optimizing project costs, materials sourcing, and securing labor to facilitate a timely start to construction following final approvals and a confirmed investment decision.
The construction of the pumped hydro complex is expected to take five years, once it moves beyond the initial planning and design phases.
