Snowy 2.0 is a major pumped hydro project that will increase the generation capacity of the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme by up to 2,200 megawatts and at full capacity will provide approximately 350,000MW/h of energy storage. The project will deliver one of the largest pumped hydro schemes in the world and underscores the importance of the Snowy Scheme’s role in the National Electricity Market.

Whittens was engaged by Snowy 2.0 Project principal contractor Future Generation Joint Venture to construct the reinforced concrete diffuser structure within the Tantangara Reservoir water intake/outlet. A variation has been awarded for the headrace tunnel transition structure, with further tunnel transition works occurring at the gate shaft.

The scope of work includes:

• Installation and dismantling of formwork and falsework
• Placement of reinforcement steel, and high volume concrete pours for the 11-metre high diffuser structure – south and north walls and three piers
• Placement of reinforcement steel, and high volume concrete pours for the 50-metre long, 10-metre diameter transition tunnel connecting the diffuser with the tunnel to the gate shaft
• Two transition tunnels either side of the 56-metre deep gate shaft
• Works currently include more than 28,000m3 concrete
• Site workforce of 135