2010 FINALISTS

Bogong Hydro Electric Scheme, VIC
McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd

The Bogong Hydro Electric Scheme included the construction of a new underground hydro electric power station and a network of tunnels and shafts near Falls Creek in the Victorian ski fields.

This forms part of AGL Southern Hydro’s strategic energy framework for the supply of green peak demand power. It harnesses the Rocky Valley and Pretty Valley branches of the East Kiewa River and existing water resources released from the Mackay Creek Power station to generate 140 MW of renewable power.

The construction of the underground power station included the excavation of the station box. The massive box required the excavation of 30,000 cubic metres of materials, and the power station structure required over 10,000 cubic metres of concrete.

Pivotal to the projects success was the coordination of the crucial mechanical equipment including turbines, generators, draft tubes, inlet valves and scroll casings. These massive individual pieces required installation as the power station was constructed from the depths of the excavation.