The mini hydro developments will be built at Preston, Olinda, Mt View, Upper Yarra, Notting Hill and Silvan Reservoirs.

The company has completed the detailed design stage of the project. Stage two will involve supply and construction of the mini hydro units. This will include the supply of major equipment, and the construction and commissioning of the six plants.

The second stage will result in a generation capacity of seven megawatts overall for the six sites, producing some 40 gigawatt hours annually. This is equivalent to the electricity for approximately 5,000 homes and will reduce up to 52,400 tonnes each year.

Hydro Tasmania Consulting General Manger Michael Brewster said the $25 million contract was a significant win for the business. Tasmanian engineering firm Tyco Tamar will supply the mechanical, electrical and control equipment for the project and Melbourne firm Geotechnical Engineering will undertake the civil works.

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The project win follows the company’s successful mini hydro development for SA Water in 2003 and two mini hydro developments in Tasmania on the Mersey Forth River and at Butlers Gorge.