Clutha Pumped Hydro Consortium Explores Local Landowner Interest in Teviot Valley Project

In a recent development that has stirred interest in the Teviot Valley, the Clutha Pumped Hydro Consortium, through Ken Smales, has reached out to local landowners to assess their interest in a proposed pumped hydro scheme. This initiative comes in the wake of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's withdrawal from the project, with Smales emphasizing that while unanimous support is not anticipated, the consortium is prepared to abandon the proposal if local interest is absent.

Smales, a former executive at Meridian Energy, confirmed his role in representing the consortium but refrained from delving into specifics about the initiative, which is poised to be a significant endeavor. The concept of pumped hydro energy storage, originally proposed by Waikato University Associate Professor Earl Bardsley in 2002, has been a topic of discussion for years. The Labour government had previously invested $30 million to investigate the feasibility of various renewable energy storage solutions, including a pumped hydro scheme at Lake Onslow, aimed at alleviating potential power shortages during low hydro lake levels.

However, in December 2023, the National government halted further investigations, citing the project's staggering estimated cost of $16 billion and anticipated difficulties with consenting processes. The then-energy minister, Simeon Brown, indicated that the Lake Onslow scheme would not deliver energy for at least another decade.

Among those potentially affected by the scheme is Richard Hore, owner of Beaumont Station. Hore expressed a willingness to entertain proposals from the consortium but remained noncommittal about whether he had been approached. Reflecting on the previous government's handling of the project, he voiced concerns over the community's dissatisfaction, stating, “People walked all over our land and drilled holes; there was nothing for us, nothing for the valley.”

Hore underscored the pressing need for economic revitalization in Millers Flat, which currently lacks essential amenities and is facing a declining school roll. He expressed hope that new fast-track legislation could expedite any forthcoming projects.

According to the consortium's communication, three out of its four directors boast extensive experience in the energy sector and have strong ties to the Otago region. They have pledged to engage with landowners constructively, even offering the possibility of shareholding in the venture.

Professor Bardsley, who initially conceptualized the Lake Onslow battery project, remains optimistic about its potential, suggesting it may be the only viable solution left. He criticized the rationale behind the project's prior dismissal as mere political maneuvering, asserting that the benefits for the southern half of New Zealand could outweigh the challenges.

Despite uncertainties regarding funding, Bardsley emphasized the necessity of accessible and reliable electricity, particularly during dry periods. He argued that the Lake Onslow scheme, which would utilize renewable energy to pump water from the Clutha River, is crucial for ensuring stable electricity prices that facilitate economic growth. As discussions continue, the future of the Clutha pumped hydro initiative remains a pivotal topic in New Zealand's energy landscape.