Kirsten, the newest TBM for Snowy 2.0 has been commissioned by The Future Generation.
The most technically advanced of three tunnel boring machines will be instrumental in completing this project successfully and on time.
The German company Herrenknecht AG has collaborated with Webuild to create a special machine for the Snowy 2.0 pumped-storage scheme named after Australian astrophysicist Kirsten Banks (TBM).
There are few machines in the world like TBM Kirsten. This single-shield, open mode machine can deal with hard rock conditions by excavating at steep angles up to nine percent on declines and 47 degrees (25 degrees) inclines. With its 11 meter diameter it will be responsible for 30 meters of daily excavation while being one of the longest-operating such types anywhere today.
The Prime Minister, Industry and Energy Reduction minister Angus Taylor was joined by Snowy Hydro Limited CEO Paul Broad for the commissioning ceremony at Lobs Hole where they welcomed what is set to be one of Australia’s most technically advanced tunnel boring machines (TBMs).
With around 1,400 people working on Snowy 2.0, 150 local businesses involved and an expected 4,000 jobs created during the course of the project – it’s no wonder that many are excited for what will come next.