Zen Energy to develop Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project
By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 25, 2026
Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project
Project
Zen Energy's $3.5 billion Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project at Lake Burragorang has been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure by the New South Wales government.
Deal Analysis
Zen Energy's proposed $3.5 billion Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project at Lake Burragorang represents a significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure for New South Wales, Australia. The project, declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure by the New South Wales government, aims to develop a 1 GW pumped hydro facility. This development underscores the growing emphasis on energy storage solutions to support the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid. The New South Wales government's involvement highlights the strategic importance of the project for the state's energy security and transition to a cleaner energy future.
The deal is notable for its large scale, with a $3.5 billion investment and a 1 GW capacity, positioning it as a major player in the Australian energy storage market. Zen Energy, as the developer, is taking on a substantial project that could significantly enhance its portfolio and market position. The New South Wales government's designation of the project as Critical State Significant Infrastructure signals strong support and potentially streamlined regulatory processes. The project's success will likely influence future investments in pumped hydro and other energy storage technologies across Australia.
- Project value of $3.5 billion indicates a substantial investment in energy infrastructure.
- 1 GW capacity positions the project as a significant energy storage asset.
- Zen Energy is the developer, expanding its presence in the renewable energy sector.
- New South Wales government's designation as Critical State Significant Infrastructure suggests strong government support.
Market Context: The Australian energy market is undergoing a significant transition towards renewable energy sources, creating a growing need for energy storage solutions like pumped hydro to address intermittency challenges and ensure grid stability. This project is part of a broader trend of investments in renewable energy and storage infrastructure across the country.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
The project is declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI). Quote: "Zen Energy’s $3.5 billion (USD 2.47 billion) Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project at Lake Burragorang and the $3.6 billion Phoenix Pumped Hydro project being developed by Acen Australia near Mudgee in central west NSW have been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI)."
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Deal Size
Zen Energy’s $3.5 billion (USD 2.47 billion) Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project at Lake Burragorang
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Capacity
The Western Sydney project being developed by Zen is proposed at 1 GW of energy generation capacity and up to 16 hours of storage.
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Location
Zen Energy’s $3.5 billion (USD 2.47 billion) Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project at Lake Burragorang
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Announcement
February 25, 2026
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COD
construction could begin at the site in 2027 with the asset to be operational by 2031
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
Z
Zen Energy
developer
"Zen Energy’s $3.5 billion (USD 2.47 billion) Western Sydney Pumped Hydro project at Lake Burragorang"
A
Acen Australia
developer
"the $3.6 billion Phoenix Pumped Hydro project being developed by Acen Australia near Mudgee in central west NSW"
high quality
Enriched Feb 25, 2026
1 of 1 Pumped Hydro deals tracked this month · Updated daily