Snowy 2.0 Transmission Connection Project

Snowy Hydro Limited (SHL) is undertaking the largest energy project in Australia. The expansion of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric scheme involves linking the existing Tatangara and Talbingo reservoirs through a series of underground tunnels, and the construction of an underground hydro-electric power station.

The scheme will enable dispatch of up to 2,000 MW of on-demand generating capacity to the grid. It will also provide unparalleled long-duration storage (350,000 MWh), which the power system will increasingly require as more coal-fired power stations retire. It will store enough energy to power approximately three million homes for a week. The first power generated from Snowy 2.0 is expected in 2028.

The project received approval from the NSW State Government in September 2022, and Commonwealth Government approval in October 2022.

Demand for reliable, clean energy is increasing across NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland. By expanding the current Snowy Scheme and building additional transmission lines between the states, energy users from South Australia to Queensland will benefit from the energy and storage that Snowy 2.0 will provide.

The Snowy Scheme is the largest pumped hydro facility in Australia, requiring bespoke transmission connection infrastructure.

The Project is building the transmission infrastructure that will enable Snowy 2.0 to deliver electricity to Australian consumers. It will do this by connecting Snowy 2.0 into the NSW electricity grid and the National Energy Market (NEM). This connection means that the renewable energy (up to 2,000 megawatts) been generated and stored can be distributed within minutes when it is most needed.  

The Snowy 2.0 Transmission Connection project (STCP) will connect the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project into the National Electricity Market. 

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The project includes the construction of 9km of new high voltage transmission lines which will span the Tumut River and a switching station located in the Bago State Forest.  The project team will construct and upgrade access tracks to the new switching station and transmission line structures, as required. 

Categorised as Critical State Significant infrastructure (CSSI), the STCP is subject to planning and environmental regulations, and required approval from both the NSW and Commonwealth Governments. 

The project is a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) and was assessed under the bilateral agreement process between the NSW and Commonwealth Governments. 

We recognise that this project is challenging due to its location in the Kosciuszko National Park. We will work closely with industry and community stakeholders to minimise disruption and impact. We are proud to be working with our delivery partners and the Snowy Valleys community to enable landmark reform in the way renewable energy is harnessed for Australian energy consumers. 

Transgrid has been engaged  by Lumea as our delivery partner for the design, planning, approvals and construction of the STCP. 

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was required to assess the project’s expected impacts on land, water, air, flora and fauna biodiversity, heritage, amenity, transport and other social, environmental and economic factors. Following public exhibition, the EIS received submissions which led to modifications to further minimise project impacts. 

We are committed to building a bright future for all Australians through a fair and transparent approach. We believe everyone has the right to have their say. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like more information, please call or email the community team or call the Community Team on  1800 674 022  or email communities@lumea.com.au. 

Community members and other key stakeholders have been consulted throughout the development of the project. Consultation took place with government (local, state and federal), local community and indigenous community representatives, landowners, services providers, and local industry and business organisations. 

Engagement activities commenced in 2018 and have continued at key points throughout the project planning stage. 

As we deliver the project we will continue to connect with the community to provide clarity on planned activities, respond to concerns, and communicate how the Conditions of Approval are being met. 

For more information on the Snowy TCP Community Investment in Tumbarumba, please click here.

For detailed information on the project, please see the fact sheet.  

If the project has impacted you unexpectedly, or you would like to discuss any issues or challenges arising from our work, please contact our community team. 

Snowy TCP Complaints Management Plan 

Check out our complaints management process plan.

While we are building the Snowy 2.0 Transmission Connection, our team are living and working alongside the Tumbarumba community.  Making a positive contribution during the project, and leaving a lasting legacy is an important part of our work.  

Part of our commitment to the Tumbarumba community is to provide funding to a selection of community organisations for projects that will provide tangible benefits to the Tumbarumba community. Find out more about the investment process here. 

Lumea hosted Community Investment Workshop in Tumbarumba in August 2024. The purpose of the workshop was for people from Tumbarumba to come together, hear about community projects seeking funding from Lumea, and to have a say in priorities for funding. 13 projects from 10 organisations were presented. Find out more about the workshop here.

Our focus during construction is to have as little impact on traffic volume as possible. Check out our traffic updates

We are excited to be a sponsor of the 2024 Tumbafest, February 24th and 25th.  

For more information click here.

A number of jobs will be created during the course of the project. Please visit our delivery partner, UGL’s website for job opportunities. 

For more information on UGL's application process, click here.