Snowy Mountain HEP

Question 1

What is the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, and where is it located?

Answer 1

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme is the largest hydro-electric scheme in Australia, located in the Snowy Mountains region.

Question 2

What are the main components of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme?

Answer 2

The scheme consists of 16 major dams, 1 pumping station, 7 power stations, and 225 kilometers of pipelines and tunnels.

Question 3

What percentage of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme is above ground?

Answer 3

Only 2% of the scheme is above ground.

Question 4

When did construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme begin, and when was it completed?

Answer 4

Construction began in 1949 and was completed 25 years later in 1974.

Question 5

How does the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme generate electricity?

Answer 5

The scheme collects water from the Snowy Mountains and diverts it to generate electricity.

Question 6

What are some environmental impacts of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme?

Answer 6

Large storage lakes, such as Eucumbene, have flooded valuable habitats, and the flow of the Snowy River has been reduced to just 1% of its original flow prior to diversion.

Question 7

What political conflicts arose regarding the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, and how were they addressed?

Answer 7

Conflict with the government led to the establishment of the Snowy Water Inquiry in 1998. It was decided that the flow in the Snowy Mountain River should be restored to 20% of its original flow by 2010, eventually reaching a sustainable level of 28%.

Question 8

What are some positive outcomes of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme?

Answer 8

The scheme will displace 5 million tonnes of CO2 and will generate 74% of renewable energy for eastern Australia and 28% nationwide.