By Lynda Myer
Despite advent of a surface depression above the headrace tunnel on Australia’s Snowy 2.0 hydro project, Snowy Hydro claims that there is no risk for the integrity of the tunnel at Tantangara, and tunneling process is advancing while work to remediate the surface depression above TBM Florence is implemented.
Carrying out the geophysical investigations and continuing grouting operations and probing from the TBM, are up to the Snowy Hydro and main contractor Future Generation Joint Venture.
Including very loose, sandy ground to extremely hard rock in fluctuating groundwater conditions, the ground conditions encountered by Snowy 2.0’s TBMs have been highly variable.
As the third and last TBM for the project, TBM Florence was commissioned in March and currently is transitioning from soft material into harder rock conditions.
Du to facing variable and soft ground conditions, TBM Florence became stuck earlier this year as Australian media reported in October 2022, while at the same time Snowy Hydro said the TBM had resumed digging following successful reinforcement works.
“As anticipated, the ground conditions encountered by the TBMs on Snowy 2.0 have been highly variable, ranging from soft, sandy ground to extremely hard rock. The Snowy 2.0 teams have been working collaboratively to safely navigate the softer ground conditions experienced at Tantangara, including high groundwater inflows,” the organization said in a statement.
They also added: “As part of the tunneling process we probed in advance of the TBM, identifying the soft ground ahead, and then consulted with our expert design consultants to plan for stabilization works. TBM Florence has been specifically designed to encounter these variable ground conditions.”
Considering the Webuild’s announced based on that it was buying the assets and certain projects from its joint venture partner Clough Group, which went into voluntary administration on December 5, Snowy 2.0, Australia’s largest renewable energy project, was in the news this week. Webuild’s purchase includes Clough’s share of the Snowy 2.0 and Inland Rail contracts, and the option to buy other projects.
Indicating in a statement of its website, Snowy Hydro said it welcomed Webuild’s move to buy Clough’s share of Snowy 2.0 and its related workforce.
“Our priority remains ensuring the well-being and continuity of Clough’s workers on the project and the smooth progress of Snowy 2.0 construction. We will continue to work closely with Webuild and the administrators throughout the acquisition process,” the statement said.
