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EDF Australia Renames Dungowan Pumped Hydro Project "Wala Wala"

EDF Australia renames its Dungowan project Wala Wala Pumped Hydro ahead of an upcoming NSW Scoping Report.

EDF Australia has announced a new name for its Dungowan Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project, now known as "Wala Wala Pumped Hydro." The rebrand comes as the project advances toward a key regulatory milestone, with a Scoping Report due to be lodged with the New South Wales government in the coming weeks.

New Name Reflects Traditional Knowledge Connections

The company says the new name draws on the Aboriginal word "Wala Wala," said to mean "the place of many storms," and reflects growing engagement with Traditional Knowledge Holders connected to the site.

The project sits on Gomeroi (Gamilaroi/Kamilaroi) and Anaiwan Country, in the Dungowan Valley roughly 45 kilometres southwest of Tamworth, within the New England Renewable Energy Zone. It is positioned downstream of the existing Dungowan Dam.

Project Background

Wala Wala Pumped Hydro represents EDF Australia’s ongoing commitment to working with local communities, government stakeholders and industry partners to support NSW’s clean energy transition and the project’s next phase of development.

EDF Australia acquired the project from Mirus Energy and Energy Estate in 2023. As proposed, it would have a 300MW capacity with up to ten hours of storage, and the company says it is intended to help integrate wind and solar generation in the region while supporting the transition away from retiring coal-fired capacity.

Next Steps in Planning Process

The development is now moving from early concept and technical study work into the formal planning and assessment process. EDF Australia says its team is holding further consultations with local stakeholders this week ahead of the Scoping Report submission. 

Sources: EDF Australia, Linkedin