NEWS ISSUE 50 SPRING 2020

Jounama, small but powerful

Spotlight on Snowy  Segment factory under construction Measuring snow depths INSIDE 3 CEO update 4 Jounama, small but powerful 6 Spotlight on Snowy 8 Snowy 2.0 project update CEO UPDATE A message from Managing Director 10 Segment factory under construction and CEO Paul Broad 11 Into the white: measuring snow depths his is a year that none of us will Our three tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have 12 Red Ambassador profiles forget, especially those in the Snowy been built, with one shipped to Port Kembla and Mountains. The destructive bushfires being transported to Lobs Hole, and the other and COVID-19 have made certain two to follow soon. The size of these machines 14 Educating the next generation of that. is incredible and a huge crane is required to help T assemble them at the construction site. In the face of these extreme challenges, it makes me extraordinarily proud that as an The large individual components of the TBMs, essential service provider we have maintained along with shipping containers of equipment, energy supply to the grid at all times and are being trucked into Lobs Hole via supported our impacted Red Energy and and the Highway. Please be customers through an aware of extra traffic on the roads and check unprecedented period of financial hardship. the website of our contractor, Future Generation, for updates about truck movements. We could not have achieved this without a great team, who have responded magnificently We have a lot going on in our to an uncertain and changing environment and regions, including over at Talbingo, where the adopted remote and changed work practices. Lower team has successfully removed Some of our staff have been redeployed into and replaced the turbine from the Jounama other roles and a number of Snowy 2.0 workers Small Hydro Power Station. We work hard to have relocated to the region for months at a keep our assets maintained and this job added time due to coronavirus restrictions. an extra layer of complexity. In these difficult circumstances, Snowy Hydro Over winter, as we have for many decades, continues to play a significant role in the region our hydrographers have been out in all weather by investing locally and as a major employer. measuring snow depths, which gives us information to help plan for inflows into our It’s one of the many reasons why our Snowy 2.0 storages. After several drier-than-usual years, project, which continues to progress in leaps we are hoping for improved inflows during the and bounds up at Lobs Hole and at the Polo Flat spring snowmelt. segment factory site, is so important. Creating thousands of jobs and with opportunities for local businesses to get involved, Snowy 2.0 is a win-win for energy consumers and the community. Follow us We recently welcomed the Federal Government Paul Broad environmental ‘green light’ for the project Main CEO and Managing Director We welcome your feedback: Works. This important milestone means we will @snowyhydroltd soon start construction on core infrastructure 1800 623 776 [email protected] such as the underground power station, tunnels, @snowyhydroofficial For more information, please visit our website snowyhydro.com.au chambers and shafts.

2 3 JOUNAMA TURNS 10

Jounama, small but What is a Kaplan turbine?

powerful What looks like a concrete cylinder actually houses the Jounama Small Hydro Power Station. Most of the Snowy turbines are Francis reaction types, which are vertical installations. However, Jounama uses a Kaplan turbine, which is unique in the Scheme. Kaplan turbines are more complex than Francis turbines. ounama spillway, in the The process of removing the They have a lot more moving parts to allow the turbine Talbingo region of the turbine from the Jounama power to be fine-tuned by changing the pitch on the blades. Snowy Scheme, is capable station is a complicated one. The Basically, Kaplan turbines operate just like the propeller of releasing 4,000 tonnes turbine has to come out of a hatch on an aeroplane. of water per second. The that is downstream of the silo A few of the most common hydro turbines are: JJounama Small Hydro Power and under normal conditions, this Station was built 10 years ago to hatch is under water. The power • Kaplan turbines - very low head pressure capture the ‘‘wasted energy’ that station’s tailbay water level must • Francis reaction turbines - intermediate head pressure was flowing over the spillway. be lowered via pumps to allow for • Pelton Wheel - high head pressure The small hydro has a generating the hatch to be opened. • Bulb turbine - often used to capture tidal fluctuations in capacity of 14 megawatts, but in This process, however, is the ocean and can be used for bidirectional generation. an interconnected system like the completely dependent on the Snowy Scheme, every megawatt The main advantages of having a Kaplan turbine at Jounama Blowering Reservoir water level is valuable at times of peak energy is that the turbine suits low head, high flow hydro situations. being lower than the tailbay level. demand. Even though Jounama The head of Jounama to Blowering is only about 30 metres, The team’s ability to remove and has only been on the scene for compared with Tumut 3 Power Station, which is at 150 then reinstall the turbine is literally DID YOU KNOW? 10 years, it certainly has held metres. Kaplan turbines also don't require large reservoirs a race against time. With the its own with interesting and Over a 12-month period, and infrastructure to generate electricity. However, they natural inflows into Blowering and challenging projects. Jounama produces, on do have a maximum capacity of approximately 95MW and limited releases from the lake due average, 45,000 megawatt require more maintenance, as more moving components Earlier this year, during normal to the irrigation off-season, the hours of electricity. It’s mean more wear and tear. operation of Jounama Small team was within days of not being projects like Jounama Hydro Power Station, a vibration able to replace the turbine. When the water level at Blowering Reservoir exceeds that represent Snowy was identified that required the 357.5 metres above sea level, the turbine access hatch to The turbine was installed, Hydro’s ability to adapt unit to be removed from service. the Jounama silo becomes submerged by the water, so reflooded and a final leak test took in a changing electricity Further investigation by the team any significant turbine work must be timed with Blowering place to ensure it was secure. To market through innovation, determined that vibration was water levels. complete the job, a 300-tonne continuous improvement coming from the turbine and at mobile crane was required to and identifying new When the levels are high, the silo becomes an island and this point, we knew that this remove the draft tube gate, which opportunities to increase until recently, in this situation the station could only be was not going to be an easy fix. on this unit is located out in the our generating capacity. reached by boat. Late last year we built a bridge to create A project team assembled and middle of the tailbay. safe and easy access! work got underway.

4 5 SNOWY WORKER PROFILES

SPOTLIGHT Mic Clayton Team leader, hydrography ON SNOWY TENURE: 18 YEARS LOCATED: COOMA

What’s your role at Snowy Hydro?

I work across the Snowy Scheme measuring the water cycle, covering an area which extends from Cooma in the east, Tumbarumba in the west, Tantangara Reservoir in the north and the Victorian border in the south (approximately 8,000 square kilometres). Our team Monique Sellies measures snow depths in winter, as part of the data collection activities we undertake across our Storeperson extensive hydro meteorological How has COVID impacted What does a normal day ‘in network. Other activities include TENURE: 2 YEARS your role? the office’ look like for you? stream flow measurement, LOCATED: COOMA Prior to COVID-19 I was working as There is no normal day at stores, meteorological and water quality a customer service officer at the and that's what I really enjoy! monitoring, and data management snow depths and alpine hydrology. Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre. Every day is something different, to make the data useful for the Career highlights? Why Snowy Hydro? To do this work you need to be Due to the restrictions placed on from day-to-day receiving and company and other stakeholders. The 2012 floods! It was the qualified in the Diploma of Water cafes, Snowy provided me with unloading trucks with a forklift, I was born in Darwin up in the biggest inflow event we have Industry Operations (Hydrography). a new opportunity to work in our to unexpected event organisation Northern Territory, however, I Why do you enjoy working at ever measured in this region and stores warehouse. While my role at when certain items are needed have spent most of my life here Snowy Hydro? it was the Snowy hydrographic the Discovery Centre was focused from stores, helping other Given you measure snow depths in the beautiful Snowy Mountains. team which measured record on tourism and customer service, departments of the business, for a job, does that mean you’re a When I learnt about the Snowy It’s the variety of field and office flood flows across our catchments. I'm now servicing the needs of through to preparation of great skier? Scheme while growing up, I work - managing the data Oddly, this event occurred in internal customers. invoices for payment. from rivers and the rest of the always thought of Cooma as the March, statistically our driest I can ski, but not as well as my monitoring network, through to start of Australia's multicultural month of the year. Another kids! I prefer cross-country skiing. the inputs into our databases history and as a first generation What have you learnt so far? Has changing roles at Snowy highlight has been contributing People often think measuring and information-sharing with Australian, that resonates deeply been a good opportunity for you? to the development of the snow depths is a pretty easy job, Lots of things, like the process stakeholders. Water is Snowy’s with me. I enjoy working for such National Guidelines for but when the wind is howling and for receiving, transferring and It's a fantastic and valuable primary fuel, so it’s integral to an iconic business like Snowy Hydrometric Monitoring through there’s blizzard conditions, I can sending items out to the Snowy experience for my career the company. In effect, you can’t Hydro and I appreciate the range the Bureau of Meteorology. assure you that you just want to Hydro regions, and the people development. I have the chance manage it unless you measure of opportunities I have been get the job done and go home for who work there. I have completed to gain experience, up-skill and it! Our information feeds into the provided. It has been very inspiring a nice cup of coffee and dry out in my dangerous goods training, learn, all while remaining a part State’s water management plans. What is the career path to be a watching how the business front of the fire! continuously supports local and learnt about the risks involved of the Snowy business. For this, Plus, I work on the roof of Australia hydrographer at Snowy Hydro? communities during the good in transporting certain goods. I I am extremely grateful. - what a great place to do your job. Well, I would encourage all and the bad times, especially have also completed my forklift Before I came to Snowy I worked those interested in environment, during the last very trying six training and I am now learning in a variety of hydrographic science and engineering to be a To check out our latest months. how to safely load/unload a truck, settings, including at Sydney hydrographer because it’s the best career opportunities, visit transport heavy pallets and the Water, where I spent a lot of time snowyhydrocareers.com.au hazards involved when operating in sewers measuring that part of job in the world. Snowy Hydro is a forklift within this environment. the water cycle! a premier authority on measuring

6 7 PROJECT UPDATE Fast facts

A 750-tonne crawler crane will be used to assemble the TBM’s massive 11m-diameter cutterhead, the main drive and front shield A 300-tonne crane has been brought onsite to help build the 750-tonne crawler crane SNOWY The 300-tonne crane will also be used to 2.0 install the TBM tailskin

The roundabouts operate normally for traffic, but can be driven on by oversize, overmass trucks once signage has been temporarily removed. The new- look roundabouts have been well-received by the community.

The exploratory works accommodation camp for up to 250 people is under construction, with many project workers employed by Snowy 2.0 principal contractor Future Generation currently being accommodated locally in Adaminaby and Providence Portal.

Other Snowy 2.0 works starting in coming months include Aboriginal and cultural heritage field surveys A fibre optic cable is being laid such as Cooma Cranes To deliver power to the TBMs, at Tantangara and construction of in Talbingo Reservoir through subcontracted to our Snowy worker accommodation temporary worker accommodation to Lobs Hole as part of the 2.0 principal contractor, Future camps and other construction at Cooma’s Pacific Hills site. construction and operation Generation Joint Venture, to activities at Lobs Hole and of Snowy 2.0. A barge has provide onsite services. A water Tantangara, an onsite electricity been laying the cable, which treatment plant is also being substation is being built. will provide communications constructed to treat water used Two large transformers that from Snowy Hydro’s Tumut by the TBM in operation and convert the electricity from 3 Power Station to the main allow it to be recycled. 330kV down to 33kV have Roads and transport access tunnel. been delivered, before being With a range of large loads for Snowy 2.0 to be delivered to site in the next few months, people driving The 137m TBM that will be installed and commissioned. through the Snowy Mountains will see an increase in truck movements. Some of the trucks using The main access tunnel used to bore the MAT has The transformers, weighing the will have oversized loads and some brief, rolling road closures will be (MAT) portal at the Lobs Hole arrived at Port Kembla and approximately 85 tonnes each, required. Transport for NSW, local NSW Police and Future Generation Joint Venture will coordinate construction site is finished. This the components are being were transported through the communications for these truck movements and road closures once the schedule has been locked in. portal is where the first of three transported to site. Shipping mountains on trailers with Information will be available on the futuregenerationjv.com.au website and the LiveTraffic app - note, tunnel boring machines (TBMs) containers of equipment and prime movers at each end. this will be subject to change at short notice. will be launched in a couple of large individual parts - up to months’ time and will excavate 174 tonnes in weight - are being To move the very large the 2.7km tunnel down to the delivered, including some Snowy 2.0 loads through JOBS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES power station cavern, hundreds escorted, oversized loads. Cooma, Future Generation of metres underground. Work is The TBM will then be and Transport for NSW have Local people interested in Snowy 2.0 jobs should visit the futuregenerationjv.com.au website now underway at the portal site reassembled at Lobs Hole. carried out modifications to the and local businesses can find tender packages on gateway.icn.org.au preparing a special ‘cradle’ for roundabouts in the main street. the TBM, with local businesses 8 9 PROJECT UPDATE SNOW DEPTHS MEASURING SEGMENT FACTORY UNDER CONSTRUCTION INTO THE WHITE Every week during winter for more Snowy Hydro is a leading authority It is interesting to note that big t’s all action at Polo Flat, where In addition to the many concrete than 65 years, snow depths have on measuring snow depths and snowfalls over winter might make construction of the Snowy 2.0 pours, the steel frames for the been measured in the Snowy alpine hydrology. Snow samples skiers happy, but they don’t always concrete segment factory is segment shed are being erected Mountains. are collected in calibrated hollow equate to big inflows into Snowy metal tubes and these are Hydro storages - it’s the water racing ahead. and site earthworks and an access Measuring the snowpack and its weighed to determine the water volume within the snow that road upgrade are continuing. water content - the ‘fuel’ of the The factory site requires a lot content. really matters. I Snowy Scheme - is an important of concrete - and that’s before Local businesses are playing an it starts actually producing any important role in the segment job for Snowy Hydro’s team of The measurements are taken Snow melt provides about concrete segments to line the factory construction, with Cooma hydrographers. from a number of points at two-thirds of inflows into Snowy snow courses within Kosciuszko Hydro's 16 dams and this water is Snowy 2.0 tunnels! Sand and Concrete contracted Snowy uses the data gained for National Park - the three primary used to generate hydropower and by Snowy 2.0 principal contractor operational purposes, to help For example, more than 5,500 snow courses are Spencers for irrigation and environmental Future Generation Joint Venture understand what sort of inflows we cubic metres of concrete are Creek (halfway between Perisher releases. to provide services at Polo Flat. are likely to receive into our dams needed in the slab for the and Charlotte Pass), Three Mile during winter and spring. Snow segment curing shed, with about In addition, Tumut-based Maliyan Dam (near Mt Selwyn) and Deep depth information is also made 2,500 cubic metres laid to date. Horizon, an indigenous civil Creek (between Cabramurra and construction company, has been available to the public online. In total, there will be 20 concrete ). partnering with Future Generation slabs laid as part of the factory subcontractor Civilex on site construction works. About 11 slabs earthworks, providing plant and have been completed. There equipment and local workers. are also 12 slabs required for the concrete batch plant and other The segment factory is expected facility foundations. to start operations before the end of this year and will manufacture about 130,500 concrete segments to line more than 30km of Snowy 2.0 waterway and access tunnels.

Fast facts

The snow depth has been measured every week during winter at Spencers Creek since 1954. The majority of snowflakes have a six-sided structure. The factory will create approximately 125 jobs when in operation, and Snowy Hydro hopes many of these will The smallest snowflakes are called diamond dust crystals be filled by locals. There will be a range of skilled and unskilled jobs available. These include truck and forklift and can be as small as the diameter of a human hair. drivers, machine operators, plant operators and administration workers. We are also working with Monaro High A snowflake can be made of as many as 200 ice crystals School to pilot school-based trade training. fused together and can take on a variety of forms, from Visit futuregenerationjv.com.au/job-opportunities-1 to register your interest in a segment factory job. your normal snowflake shapes through to ice needles and columns.

10 11 RED ENERGY AMBASSADORS

Meet two of our amazing Red Energy Ambassadors. Maddy Proud is a member of the 2019 netball championship-winning Sydney Swifts and Danny Buderus is a rugby league State of Origin and Newcastle Knights legend. Maddy Danny

What has been your ‘Proudest’ Reflecting on your rugby league Where do State of Origin matches, Impressions of the Snowy Scheme? moment in netball? What are your future goals for the What have been the highlights career, how did you achieve such particularly the 15 you captained, (when you visited in 2019) remainder of your playing career? as a Red Energy Ambassador? rate among your rugby league longevity and success? Inspirational, and it shows you when There have been a lot of proud achievements? moments for me throughout my I would love to win another I loved our trip to the Snowy You need consistency and for people work together what can be career. Captaining the Australian premiership (or two, or three, or Mountains to learn all about the this to happen, you need routine. On reflection, I think more about created. To see how this originated 21-and-under team at the World four) with the Swifts and hope to Snowy Scheme, meet incredible Routine in your preparation, and moments in games and results through people power really blew me Youth Cup in Glasgow in 2013 and one day be able to represent my people and see some amazing things. understanding your ‘why’. My ‘why’ more than being the lucky one away. The sacrifices and commitment being able to wave the Australian country with the Diamonds. To learn about the history of Snowy was family, respect for teammates leading the team out first in the people made for this to happen is flag at the opening ceremony was Hydro and be able to visit some iconic and being the best that I can be. stadium. There were some personal really a story to behold. incredible. Also, winning the Grand You have 18,000 followers on locations was an experience I will battles to become a captain – belief never forget – I’m so grateful to Red and understanding my role and Final with the NSW Swifts in 2019 Instagram. Have any of your posts You were part of a great Newcastle Could you tell a turbine from Energy for giving me this opportunity! responsibilities in being a leader. was something I’ll never forget. gone viral? Knights team that played many a penstock? I received so much love through finals and won a premiership - how You play predominantly centre or Impressions of the Snowy Scheme? Yeah…No! mmm maybe. Instagram after I tore my ACL last year. important is teamwork to achieve What’s your current role with wing attack for the NSW Swifts - do (when you visited in 2019) I had people reach out who I never excellence in any job? the Knights? you like to always be in the middle Can Newcastle win the 2020 would’ve dreamt of hearing from, I was in awe from the moment we got of the action? Teamwork is highly important. General Manager of Football premiership? which is one of the great things about there. I never fully understood how big Understanding personalities and social media – just like sport it brings it all was and what must have gone 2020 has been a crazy year for I play in the midcourt because I’m what makes people tick creates a What have been the highlights people together. While I wouldn’t say into building such an incredible thing. everyone, and nothing would surprise not tall enough to play anywhere else! great work environment when you as a Red Energy Ambassador? I started my netball journey as a goal anything has gone ‘viral’, I love to get To learn all about how it works and can get the best out of them. Our me on the footy field. Anything is defence, but slowly worked my way a plug in about my book! what it does for our country was an years of success were made up of I have loved meeting a wide variety possible. It’s been a tough time, but down the court as everyone grew unforgettable experience. all different personalities – the one of people over the years as a Red one thing that hasn’t wavered is the around me. In saying that, I love Can you tell us about the children's thing we all had in common was Ambassador. My trip to the Snowy fans and supporters like Red Energy, being in the midcourt and being book you wrote, Grace on the Court? Could you tell a turbine from the will to win and compete. Scheme was definitely a highlight who have stuck solid. able to control the pace of the game. a penstock? and taught me so much about how Grace on the Court is about a girl There’s never any time to stop and our electricity is created. Another What’s a fun fact about you called Grace Parker as she starts her Ummm, next question? You broke both legs, suffered you’re always part of the action. highlight was seeing thousands of that we may not know? first year of high school, aged 13. It dislocations, tendon and ligament kids over a number of years enjoy follows her first high school netball tears and other injuries through your I have to admit I’m a clean freak The Swifts have relocated to What's a fun fact about you that the Danny Buderus Footy Clinic, season as she tries to navigate the 257-game career with the Knights - (don’t know if that’s fun) and I Queensland for the 2020 Super we may not know? which was sponsored and inspired 3 B’s: boys, boy bands and ball sports. how is the body in retirement? by Red Energy. possess a range of brooms to Netball season, how do you think When I was younger (from about age I wrote it because I didn’t think there One thing professional sport teaches sweep around the house... you'll go? 5-7) I was a HUGE tomboy. I used to were enough books out there for you is routine and a training DNA. get confused for a boy when I walked I’m excited for the experience young girls about sport – particularly I train differently now, mostly for down the street with my brothers (you and while it will be a huge challenge, netball. I think that if young girls can wellbeing and to feel good. The body can refer to a few old Instagram posts it will be a great opportunity to enjoy reading and playing sport, it is fine considering. I stretch every for proof). This was mainly because I show other teams what we’ve got. will help them in their development day, and also train daily with about loved sport so much and was always While we wish we were able to play throughout the teenage years. I’ve eight ex-Knights teammates, which playing with my brothers and their more games at home in front of written a sequel to Grace on the consists of 30 minutes’ exercise, an friends in the backyard – I just wanted our incredible members and fans, Court, but am currently waiting for ocean swim and the best part - a to be like them! we just can’t wait to be back out on it to be published! coffee catch-up. We generally kick the court doing what we love and at off around 5.30am and is the best least we will have plenty of sunshine! way to start the day.

Red Energy is 100% Australian-owned and operated. For more information about its great plans, go to redenergy.com.au or call 131 806 Red Energy is 100% Australian-owned and operated. For more information about its great plans, go to redenergy.com.au or call 131 806 12 13 EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY

Snowy 2.0 digital pop-up book

Snowy Hydro has launched a new digital pop-up book showcasing Snowy 2.0 and taking the pumped-hydro renewable energy project to a younger generation. Bringing to life the engineering and purpose of Snowy 2.0 in a fun and interactive way, the pop-up book is designed to engage and inform young people. snowyhydro.com.au

Educating the next generation

Science of the Snowy he Snowy Hydro With Snowy 2.0 well underway, Local school holiday fun Online education Scheme competition Discovery Centre in students can learn about the hub coming soon Cooma has been a project, view a scale model tunnel This September/October school holidays, staple on school trip boring machine, and discover the Discovery Centre in Cooma is hosting Can gum leaves generate electricity? The team is working hard to take itineraries for decades. Snowy Hydro’s important role school holiday activities through the local What about Vegemite? our Discovery Centre education TThousands of local and visiting as Australia transitions to a Outside School Hours Care (OOSH) providers experiences directly into the The annual Science of the Snowy Scheme students have stopped by to learn renewable energy future. in our regions. classroom and living rooms across competition is back! With a range of about the mighty Snowy Scheme The COVID-19 situation has meant Australia. Later this year, Snowy The program is designed for children six to fantastic prizes up for grabs, including for a day trip or en route to the that most of the educational Hydro will launch a brand-new, 12-years-old and activities will be focused on behind-the-scenes experiences at Taronga ski fields. experiences at the Discovery online education hub. Learning STEAM (science, technology, engineering, Zoo for the winners and their families and Our education program aims to Centre have been placed on-hold about the Snowy has never been arts and maths), while showcasing Snowy a visit to a Snowy Hydro power station for ignite students' imagination and until visiting school groups can more accessible, featuring a Hydro and the Snowy Scheme story. their class, the stakes are high! expand their knowledge about return. While the team is missing behind-the-scenes tour of a power It is designed to be a fun, hands-on, To participate in the Science of the Snowy a range of curriculum including the visiting groups this year, station, an interactive Snowy 2.0 activity-packed program, covering Snowy’s Scheme competition, local primary school geography, STEM, history and Snowy can still accommodate digital pop-up and interactive/ past, present and future. All programs will students should get creative and design a social science subjects. With a local school groups. downloadable classroom resources. be delivered by trained and experienced power station of the future that generates state-of-the-art immersive theatre, To organise a tailored session Stay tuned to snowyhydro.com.au staff, including a guest like a real-life 100% Australian-made, renewable energy the learning programs can be for your school, please contact education and our social media engineer. Each session will run for about and explain how it works. complemented by a range of us on 1800 623 776 or email channels for updates. two hours, with each participant taking experiences including a virtual To enter or find out more, visit [email protected] home a ‘show bag’ of goodies. fly-over of the Scheme. snowyhydro.com.au/scienceweek2020

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