- Work to build Snowy 2.0's underground power station has begun, marking a new phase of the project.
- All six reversible turbines have arrived in Australia as teams prepare to install major components.
An hydroelectric station the size of the Sydney Opera House is starting to take shape almost a kilometre underground on Australia's most critical energy security project.
The team of more than 5,000 people working to bring Snowy 2.0 to life has begun permanent concrete pouring underground, setting the stage to assemble the project's six turbines.
With excavation in the massive machine and transformer halls over 90 per cent complete, engineering teams are turning their attention to the internal fit-out of the power station.
Crews are preparing to install major components, including massive inlet valves and spiral casings designed to channel water that will fuel the generators.
Excavation is complete for the six connector tunnels between the transformer hall and machine hall that will be packed with specialised electrical equipment to channel power from the six generators to high-voltage transformers and on to Australian homes and businesses.
Over the coming months, construction crews will place the first of more than 1,400 pieces of precast concrete that will house the power-generating kit, including transformers weighing more than 400 tonnes each.
Snowy 2.0 has also taken delivery of all six reversible turbines, while the project's power-generating high-voltage transformers are currently undergoing final testing.
Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said reaching this stage required an extraordinary level of logistical coordination, safety focus and strict quality assurance.
"Fit-out in our underground powerhouses is an extremely precise and detail-oriented process," Mr Barnes said.
"We're building some of the widest and deepest power station caverns in the world.
"Transitioning into the fit-out phase of an underground station the size of the Sydney Opera House is a landmark engineering achievement that we're all extremely proud of.
"The skill of the workforce behind Snowy 2.0 is incredible. From the army of skilled local talent to top hydropower experts from across the globe."
Snowy 2.0 is critical to Australia's future energy mix. Its world leading 350GWh of energy storage will be the equivalent to around 26 million home batteries. Its ability to store excess wind and solar energy will help ensure the grid's reliability and place downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices.
"This project is a testament to Australian ambition and a vital investment in our energy future.
"Snowy 2.0 is designed to operate for 150-years and will help safeguard our energy sovereignty and keep the lights on for generations," Mr Barnes said.
In October 2025, Snowy Hydro announced it had instructed Snowy 2.0's principal contractor Future Generation Joint Venture to undertake a cost reassessment.
After receiving advice from independent construction cost experts, Snowy Hydro is considering the commercial and practical implications to inform its advice to the government.
