The most sacred day for tunnellers, miners and underground workers was marked by a poignant Snowy 2.0 ceremony on December 4.

Workers gathered to celebrate St Barbara’s Day at the Marica worksite, metres away from TBM Monica – the huge new boring machine being assembled on the project.

The patron saint day itself stretches back centuries and is a tunnelling institution across the globe.

Statues are typically installed and blessed at new tunnel entrances, providing luck and safety for underground workers.

Indeed, the practice of naming TBMs after females is also inspired by St Barbara.

St Patrick’s Cooma parish priest Fr Mark Croker explained the significance of the patron saint’s story during the blessing ceremony.

“The story of St Barbara shows us the power of faith, it shows us the power of courage,” he said.

“For miners, these values were vital in their daily work and they remain inspiring for all of us in those difficult times all of us face daily.”

Snowy Hydro Chief Delivery Officer – Snowy 2.0 Dave Evans said December 4 was a special day.

“St Barbara’s Day means a lot to me and to our workforce … and is a way of recognising that while tunnelling is really challenging work, it’s about talking about both our successes and safety,” he said.

“While tunnellers can come across at times as perhaps as gruff people and tough people, there’s a lot of superstitions that run deep, especially in tunnelling.”

Mr Evans said an incredible amount of work had taken place to prepare for the launch of the new “monster” 200-metre long TBM in the new year.

“This machine is extremely complicated – its parts are sourced from across the world all needing to be pulled apart and pieced back together here on a remote construction site,” he said.

Snowy Hydro continues to strengthen its critical role underpinning reliability while enabling Australia’s renewable energy transition with the signing of major energy contracts with Aula Energy and TagEnergy, securing new capacity in wind generation and grid-scale battery storage.

The long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Aula Energy will see Snowy procure 120 MW of renewable energy from the Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm in South Australia.

Snowy has also signed a 15-year, 105 MW, four-hour virtual toll agreement with TagEnergy for the 150 MW Golden Plains BESS in Victoria.

Snowy earlier this year signed a 15-year, 220 MW, four-hour virtual tolling agreement with Akaysha Energy for the 311 MW Elaine BESS. The combined 325 MW of battery storage enhances Snowy’s ability to offer cost-effective solutions to mass-market, large-scale commercial and industrial, and wholesale customers.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the new contracts underscore the importance of on-demand and flexible capacity to ensure the National Electricity Market (NEM) remains reliable as baseload power options like coal retire.

“The agreements with Aula Energy and TagEnergy bring Snowy’s contracted wind, solar and battery storage capacity close to 2,200 MW and fosters the development of over 3,600 MW of renewables and firming projects in Australia, bolstering our ability to support Australia as it transitions to renewable energy.

“Our unmatched mix of on-demand power and pumped hydro energy storage is what makes renewables work, enabling three times the clean wind and solar to come online.

“These new contracts enhance our role as an end-to-end generator and retailer, supporting the strong growth of Snowy’s retail brands, which now serve more than 1.6 million retail customers.”

Aula Energy – Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm, South Australia
The 15-year PPA for the Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm reinforces Snowy’s position as a major enabler of renewable generation.

Expected to commence supply in early 2029, will support our retail load growth in South Australia.

“South Australia is a leader in Australia’s energy transition, and this agreement with Aula Energy reflects our confidence in the quality and strategic importance of Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm and the South Australian market,” said Mr Barnes.

Aula Energy CEO Chad Hymas emphasised the importance of enduring strategic customer relationships to help lead Australia’s energy transition.

“Securing this PPA with Snowy is a major step forward for Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm and for our commitment to deliver reliable, renewable energy in South Australia. Snowy’s leadership in the energy market reflects their position as a key customer driving change as we work towards a sustainable future.”

TagEnergy – Golden Plains BESS, Victoria
The Golden Plains BESS is expected to commence operations in late 2027 with Snowy securing a 15-year virtual tolling product for 105 MW, 4 hour capacity. For Snowy, this deal delivers the benefits of accessing storage products in the National Electricity Market without the construction and capital burden.

The Golden Plains BESS will work closely with Snowy’s current hydro assets and long-duration pumped hydro storage, including the Snowy Scheme and the Snowy 2.0 expansion to dispatch energy into the grid at peak times and remove excess when demand is low.

“We’re pleased to expand our partnership with TagEnergy, having previously secured 40 per cent of the supply from Stage 1 of their nearby Golden Plains Wind Farm. This new virtual storage agreement complements our portfolio of on-demand generation and gives us the fast-start power we need to quickly soak up excess wind and solar, and stabilise the grid at times of volatility,” said Mr Barnes.

TagEnergy Managing Partner Andrew Riggs highlighted the role of the Golden Plains BESS in the grid.
“The addition of large-scale energy storage at Golden Plains is another important step forward in achieving a more secure and flexible supply of clean electricity for the people of Victoria. It’s great to continue working with Snowy who has been an important partner for Golden Plains Wind Farm.”

Snowy Hydro has proudly launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan, formalising a long-term commitment to making a meaningful contribution to reconciliation in Australia. 

The Reflect RAP, which runs from November 2025 to November 2026, outlines the foundational steps Snowy Hydro and its retail brands, Red Energy and Lumo Energy, will take to build stronger relationships, foster respect and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the Reflect RAP is a critical step forward for Snowy. 

“I’m proud to share our first Reconciliation Action Plan. This is the first step of many in our journey, and it begins with listening and understanding. 

“As one of Australia’s largest energy retailers, and a leader in the nation’s energy transition, we have the potential to make a significant contribution to improving outcomes for First Nations people. The Reflect RAP will guide our first steps toward future initiatives that create shared value and strengthen connections between Snowy’s people and customers and First Nations people.” 

Snowy Hydro First Nations Engagement Adviser and Yuin Elder Uncle Bunja Smith said it has been a privilege to play a role in Snowy’s reconciliation journey.

“Reconciliation begins with relationships, and through this RAP, we’re laying the foundation for strong connections that are grounded in trust, respect and genuine partnership. 

“Since joining Snowy Hydro, I’ve been encouraged by the genuine commitment across the business to advance reconciliation, not just in words, but in action. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Reflect RAP helps to shape a more inclusive and respectful future for Snowy.”

The Reflect RAP is focussed on:

• Building Relationships: Identifying and strengthening mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations.
• Fostering Respect: Increasing cultural understanding and awareness across the business through cultural learning and observing protocols.
• Creating Opportunities: Auditing current First Nations employment, improving supplier diversity, and building on existing partnerships with organisations like the Clontarf Foundation, the Stars Foundation, and CareerTrackers.

Snowy’s Reflect RAP is visually anchored by a commissioned artwork, Flowing Together: A Journey of Power, Water, and Connection, by proud Wiradjuri artist Lani Balzan. The piece tells the story of Snowy Hydro’s reconciliation journey, bringing together the elements of energy, water, connection, and community through a cultural lens.

Snowy Hydro’s Reconciliation Action Plan is available here.

The first ground has been broken on a Snowy Hydro-funded extension to a world-class trout breeding facility in the Snowy Mountains that will help safeguard the industry for years to come.

The NSW Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development has received $5 million to construct a new 462sqm building at Gaden Trout Hatchery to house state-of-the-art aquaculture systems.

Monaro MP Steve Whan, NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty and Snowy Hydro General Manager of Water, Environment and Lands Charlie Litchfield break ground at the new trout facility.

Snowy Hydro General Manager of Water, Environment and Lands Charlie Litchfield said the investment was a core part of the Snowy 2.0 Recreational Fishing Management Plan.

“While we’re not in the business of breeding fish at Snowy Hydro, our partnership with the NSW Government and the Monaro Acclimitisation Society is fundamentally important to ensure the recreational impacts of the project are effectively mitigated,” he said.

“We’re working hard to ensure we’ve got a lasting positive impact on recreational fishing in the Snowy lakes – and this collaboration is crucial.”

Gaden manager Mitch Elkins said additional units to control water temperature and filtration would significantly increase the facility’s capability to produce up to 20 tonnes of larger rainbow and brown trout annually.

“This collaboration with Snowy Hydro will not only ensure we produce bigger and better fish but it will also safeguard the trout industry for years to come,” he said.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the new year, following tender award, and is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026.

Snowy Hydro and Akaysha Energy today have announced a landmark 15-year virtual toll agreement with Akaysha Energy for the 311 megawatt Elaine Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Victoria. 

This 15-year agreement is Snowy Hydro’s first battery toll agreement. With a contracted capacity of 220 megawatts, it is the largest four-hour virtual toll agreement in Australia, setting a precedent for the sector.

Snowy Hydro Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Barnes said the partnership marks a significant step in supporting Australia’s renewable energy transition.

“Snowy’s unique portfolio of on-demand power stations and electricity storage is the key to the strength of our contribution to reliable electricity supply to homes and businesses and to the introduction of more wind and solar across the grid,” Mr Barnes said.

“This deal with Akaysha adds a new short-duration storage layer to our portfolio, which will work hand-in-hand with the long-duration storage capabilities of our pumped hydro assets”. 

Akaysha Energy Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Curnow, said: “This agreement represents a step change in the way large-scale storage can be delivered to the market and showcases strong market confidence in the value of BESS as a long-term energy solution. 

“By partnering with Snowy Hydro, we’re demonstrating how flexible, long-term virtual toll agreements can unlock major battery projects and deliver value in the wholesale energy market.”

The agreement will strengthen Snowy’s ability to help manage wholesale market volatility while enhancing its product offerings to mass-market, large-scale commercial and industrial, and wholesale customers. 

For Snowy, the toll structure delivers the benefits of physically building and operating a battery, without the capital, construction and operational burden, making it a highly capital-efficient solution.

The Elaine BESS is strategically located in South West Victoria, being relatively close to the large load centre of Melbourne and providing Snowy with transmission diversification benefits. The development of the Elaine BESS helps support reliable electricity supply to Victoria. 

It will help Snowy manage transmission outage risks and support the integration of more wind and solar into the National Electricity Market (NEM).

An extensive archaeological technical study carried out across Snowy 2.0 project sites has deepened our understanding of Aboriginal and European occupation in the Snowy Mountains.

Excavation carried out by NSW Archaeology principal archaeologist Julie Dibden found more than 35,000 indigenous stone artefacts across 782sqm at Lobs Hole, Tantangara and Marica work fronts.

The report has found “Aboriginal occupation was not only intense and widespread, but systematic and strategic”.

“The mountains provided people with a resource rich landscape with a mosaic of different environments, each with an abundance and diversity of fauna and plants for food and other material needs,” the report read.

“In addition, the woodlands and forests provided wood for fire … suitable stone for satisfying material and technological need (was) also plentiful.”

The majority of the artefacts found were:

• flakes and flake fragments
• hammer stones
• anvils
• mortar stones.

The findings indicate the Lobs Hole valley, with plentiful nearby resources, was used as a repeated base camp for family groups and large gatherings. 

Stone shaping – known as knapping – and vegetable handling also occurred.

Hammer stones were found in the valley, demonstrating certain heavy tools were left in place for later use rather than being carried around the steep terrain. 

The distribution of artefacts in the Tantangara area shows there were repeated visits by families and small groups over an extended period of time, reflective of its harsher climate.

Community consultation sessions

The report has made a number of recommendations that will be shared at two Aboriginal community consultation sessions in Tumut and Cooma for further discussion.

All Aboriginal community members with a cultural connection to the Snowy 2.0 project sites (Lobs Hole, Tantangara and Marica) are invited to attend. 

Snowy Hydro and Snowy Monaro Regional Council are working together to improve safety on the Jindabyne Shared Trail along the Jindabyne Dam Wall following community feedback. An independent risk assessment identified a safety risk due to the low guardrail in this area, especially for cyclists who don’t dismount, as required by existing safety measures including barriers and signage.

What’s Changing?
To help keep everyone safe, the current safety measures are temporarily being strengthened, including new barriers and updated signage. This will be installed across the Dam Wall, including in the identified high-risk section. Cycling across the Dam Wall will temporarily be restricted. Pedestrian access will remain open during this time.

What’s next?
Snowy Hydro is working closely with Snowy Monaro Regional Council to manage safety risks and ensure the trail remains a valued part of our community, while also meeting operational requirements for Jindabyne Dam.We’re committed to keeping this temporary solution in place for as short a time as possible and we’re already working with the relevant stakeholders to design a long-term fix that supports both safe trail use and dam operations.

Snowy Energy and the NRMA today announced a significant three-year electricity contract to power operations across four Australian states with 100% matched renewable energy. 

Commencing on 1 January 2026, the NRMA’s businesses across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory will be powered by Snowy Energy’s TrueGreen 100 per cent matched renewable electricity product. 

Snowy Energy is the large commercial and industrial (C&I) retail brand of Snowy Hydro. It offers Australian businesses access to innovative, market-leading products and solutions that support them on their decarbonisation journey. 

Snowy Hydro’s Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Barnes said the NRMA is supporting regional renewable energy generation across Snowy’s diverse portfolio of assets, including hydro generation from the iconic Snowy Scheme, and contracted wind and solar projects.

“The partnership with NRMA highlights the growing demand from large commercial and industrial customers who are seeking renewable energy solutions.” 

The NRMA is currently using 100% renewables for its EV charging network and from January 2026 will extend this commitment to match renewables to power the entire NRMA group, including NRMA’s corporate offices, network of NRMA Parks & Resorts locations and Sixt car rental sites.

NRMA Group Chief Executive Officer Rohan Lund said: “The NRMA is committed to meeting its 2030 climate targets and this partnership with Snowy Energy allows us to take a significant step towards that goal.”

“It’s vital that we continue to power the national EV charging network we are building with renewable energy and we are proud to be leading the way with our holiday parks and resorts.”

NRMA is partnering with the Federal Government to build Australia’s national charging backbone and is expected to deliver 800 charging points across 250 fast charging sites by 2027. The organisation set a target of 100 per cent renewable energy across the group by 2027 – now expected to be achieved one year early in 2026.