Sydney's H2OMG! Water to Power Homes by 2031?

Sydneysiders, get ready for a future where your tap water might also power your home! A mind-blowing pumped hydro project could be turning your showers into sustainable energy sources by 2031.

The plan involves a massive water storage system near Sydney, built on the site of a former coal washery. Imagine that! This project breathes new life into a coal-scarred landscape, transforming it into a clean energy powerhouse.

Here's the cool part: water from Lake Burragorang would be pumped uphill to a reservoir at Nattai, creating a giant battery! When needed, the water would flow back down through tunnels, generating clean, renewable energy. This stored energy would be especially crucial during those times when sunshine isn't so bright or the wind isn't blowing strong.

The potential impact is huge! This project could power up to a third of Sydney's homes, all while keeping drinking water supplies safe. Think about it – a significant portion of Sydney is powered by its own "H2OMG" (water + mega)!