The impact of pumped hydro on your recreational fishing in NSW
by Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW 21 Dec 2022 15:41 PST
Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW © Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW
Pumped hydro systems might soon have an impact on your recreational fishing. There are reportedly more than 60 pumped hydro projects proposed on NSW waterways.
Pumped hydro involves the construction of dams that are used to drive turbines to produce electricity. The dams are filled by using cheap power purchased from the grid in periods of low demand/cost; currently much of that power is generated by fossil fuel power stations. The water is released through turbines to generate 'hydro' power at peak load times, and sold at a higher price than the power purchased to fill the dam. Pumped hydro acts as a rechargeable battery, storing energy collected when supply exceeds demand, and then providing electricity to the grid when other sources are insufficient to meet needs.
A typical pumped hydro project involves two reservoirs built adjacent to a natural waterway: a lower holding reservoir is initially filled by water from the stream and pumped to a higher reservoir positioned above turbines. After running down through the turbines to generate power, the water returns to the lower reservoir and is then pumped back up to the higher reservoir using low-cost, off-peak power from the grid. The lower reservoir is topped up from the stream whenever water is lost through evaporation and seepage.
The NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers has prepared a short advisory note with further details and recommendations for angling groups.