Updated December 19, 2025 – Borumba pumped hydro project in Queensland has received federal approval from the Australian Government to undertake exploratory works under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. This allows Queensland Hydro to begin geotechnical and survey activities ahead of full construction. This federal go-ahead is also subject to nearly 70 environmental conditions designed to limit clearing and protect biodiversity. It also enables the gathering of data needed for detailed design development and the revision of the project’s business case.
Once Borumba pumped hydro project proceeds to main construction phase, further state and Commonwealth approvals will still be required. The environmental clearance for early works is still an important step in advancing one of Australia’s largest long-duration storage projects capable of 2,000 MW capacity and up to 48,000 MWh of storage. This is enough supply to hundreds of thousands of homes in Queensland alongside other energy projects like Kidston pumped storage hydro.
Borumba Pumped Hydro Project in Australia Secures $6bn Funding
Reported June 23, 2025 – Marking a significant milestone achievement, the Borumba Hydro Project in Australia has officially secured $6bn funding. The pumped hydro development will commence soon, as the Queensland Government announced its commitment through the 2023-25 State Budget.
In March 2023, Queensland Hydro delivered the development’s Detailed Analytical Report (DAR) to the Queensland Government. As per official reports, the investment decision towards the project was informed by environmental, recreational, engineering, and social studies.
As a result of the funding, the Borumba Hydro Project aims to begin exploratory works, as well as environmental impact assessment. Moreover, an official statement revealed that the project will also begin detailed engineering. At an estimate, the entire project’s cost is said to be $14.2 billion.
The Australia Hydro Project to Contribute Toward Queensland Renewable Energy Targets
Quite impressively, the development will feature a 2,000MW pumped hydro storage facility. In addition to a total number of six new dams as well as an underground power station. Its location will be right within Imbil, west of the Sunshine Coast.
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Furthermore, the project will also carry out upgrades to Lake Borumba’s dam infrastructure. The lake’s upgrade will include the expansion of the existing lower reservoir with a new dam wall. Thereafter, a second reservoir will be constructed at a higher altitude. Upon completion, the two reservoirs will then receive connection via the underground power station.
Currently, the Borumba Hydro Project is pending environmental and planning approvals. However, reports note that its completion target is by 2030. During its peak construction period, the development will potentially generate 2,300 jobs, alongside opportunities for local Queensland businesses.
Taking it a step further, Queensland Hydro will work closely with Powerlink towards the project’s further development. As a result, the two entities will manage projects that will connect Borumba Hydro development to the grid. This in turn will enable the efficient sharing of electricity all across the state. Once operational, the facility strives to contribute towards the region’s overall growth. This includes achieving its renewable energy targets of 80% by 2035, and net zero emissions target by 2050.
