Snowy 2.0 is a pumped-hydro expansion of the Snowy Mountains Scheme which will supercharge its existing hydro-electric generation and large-scale storage capabilities.

As the economy decarbonises and baseload coal-fired power stations retire, more intermittent generation (such as wind and solar) will enter the market. This creates the need for new sources of quick, dispatchable energy generation such as pumped hydro, as well as the need for large-scale storage.

Snowy 2.0 will link the two existing Snowy Scheme reservoirs of Tantangara and Talbingo through underground tunnels and an underground power station with pumping capabilities.

With a pumped hydro system, water that is released from the top reservoir to generate electricity can be 'recycled' or pumped back to the upper reservoir to be used again.

The ability to pump and store water means Snowy 2.0 will act like a giant battery by absorbing, storing and dispatching energy.

Snowy 2.0 will pump water using electricity at times of low demand and store it in the upper reservoir. Then, at times of peak demand when energy is needed most, the stored water will be used to generate and dispatch electricity within minutes.

For more information about Snowy 2.0, visit SnowyHydro's website.