Central Otago and the Teviot Valley would receive a huge boost according to a local councillor,  following last week’s announcement of a feasibility study on the mooted $4 billion Lake Onslow pumped hydro scheme. 

Energy Minister Megan Woods announced last week the Government would spend $30 million investigating a multi-billion-dollar pumped hydro scheme which could be in operation by 2030. 

The project would effectively create what is said to be a “5000 gigawatt rechargeable battery” to power the country during periods of little rainfall or wind, which could end its dependence on gas and coal generation. 

Lake Onslow sits just east of Roxburgh, which itself had a major boom when the Roxburgh dam was built in the 50s. 

Central Otago District councillor Stephen Jeffrey, who represents Teviot Ward, thinks the project will be a giant coup for his area. 

Stephen serves on several committees, and chairs the Teviot Valley Community Development Scheme, Roxburgh Gorge/Clutha Gold Trails Company and Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust. 

“The proposed water storage project for Lake Onslow would/will inject significant employment and dollars into the Teviot Valley and Central Otago,” Stephen told The Central App. 

“A project of this size will have huge flow on effects. 

“Accommodating several thousand employees will be a challenge especially given the available housing and infrastructure. 

“Although it’s been done before, right here in this valley.”

Central Otago District councillor Stephen Jeffrey said housing would be a challenge if the Lake Onslow project goes ahead. 

Stephen said Roxburgh could become an epicentre of a boom not seen since the damming of the Clutha. 

But he warned, like many dams and major infrastructure projects, the post-construction phase comes with a bust. 

“I guess it will be very positive throughout the construction phase and unfortunately negative post construction,” he said. 

“What I’m referring to here about negative post construction is the impact of large numbers of employees leaving a small population when construction is complete.”

Stephen said Roxburgh’s history as a hydro town lends it in good stead.

“I`m enthusiastic about the project, the Teviot valley has a long history of being involved in hydroelectric electricity, both the Teviot River and Clutha Rivers being prime examples. 

“The engineering required to pump/deliver water from the Clutha to Onslow will be challenging but there are examples in other countries around the world.

“My understanding is there is still some way to go before the project will be approved. 

“Feasibility studies usually take a lot of time therefore any construction could be several years away.”

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