The Snowy Mountains Scheme is one of the great engineering feats of the world.  Commencing in 1949, it took 25 years to build and it is one of the most complex multi-purpose hydro schemes in operation.  It features 16 major dams, 7 major power stations, 1 pumping station, 145 kilometres of underground tunnels and 80 kilometres of aqueducts.  The main water storage, Lake Eucumbene, at full capacity, can hold nine times the volume of water in Sydney Harbour.

To have a look at where each part of the Scheme is located, click on the map highlighted below.

The Scheme was developed to send water to farms west of the Great Dividing Range, where dependable water was needed for growing crops, fruit and vegetables.  On its way westwards, the water drops 800 metres, generating electricity in huge power stations supplying peak-load power to the eastern states and South Australia.  Because hydro-electricity is generated within seconds of the release of the stored water, it can respond to peak-load demands or emergencies.

Hydro-electricity is clean and renewable energy and can be on line in around 90 seconds.

The Scheme has had a significant effect on the cultural development of Australia.  Over the 100 000 people who came to work on its construction, many were migrants who came from over 30 different countries after World War II.  The construction years of the Scheme was when our multi-cultural nation was forged.

Today the Scheme is operated and maintained by Snowy Hydro Limited.  The Scheme continues to provide water for irrigation, is a leading provider of renewable energy to eastern states and South Australia.