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Introduction
Underground operations on the Snowy 2.0 pumped-hydro project have come to a halt after a 2.5-meter industrial ventilation fan imploded on Tuesday morning, sending metal shrapnel across the construction site. While no injuries were reported—a situation described as a “miracle” by union representatives—SafeWork NSW has issued six prohibition notices on the fans, effectively halting all underground activities until further notice. In response, Snowy Hydro has announced plans for an immediate independent safety review and audit of the project.
This incident adds to growing concerns over workplace safety and management practices at one of Australia’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
Details of the Incident
The malfunction occurred in the underground tunnels of the Snowy 2.0 project, located in the NSW Snowy Mountains. According to Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) NSW branch secretary Tony Callinan, the metal blades of the fan penetrated its casing and traveled up to 30–40 meters across the site. Had workers been present in the vicinity, the outcome could have been catastrophic.
Ventilation fans play a critical role in ensuring air quality and worker safety within confined tunnel environments. However, Mr. Callinan criticized the condition of the fans, stating they were “in a terrible state,” with missing bolts, loose components, and other structural issues identified during inspections. These deficiencies highlight potential lapses in maintenance and oversight.
Regulatory Response and Prohibition Notices
Following the incident, SafeWork NSW issued six prohibition notices targeting the affected fans, effectively covering all primary ventilation systems at the site. Without functional fans, it is unsafe to resume underground work due to the risk of inadequate oxygen supply and hazardous conditions.
This marks the latest in a series of stoppages for the $12 billion project, which also experienced delays earlier this year over concerns regarding the status of “last resort” emergency chambers designed to protect workers during evacuations. With work currently at a standstill, questions remain about the adequacy of safety measures and whether proper protocols were followed leading up to the fan failure.
Worker Confidence and Management Accountability
Union representatives have expressed growing dissatisfaction with the management of the Snowy 2.0 project, citing multiple serious incidents since construction began in late 2019. Mr. Callinan stated that workers have “lost all confidence” in both Snowy Hydro and its principal contractor, Future Generation Joint Venture (FGJV). He emphasized the need for accountability, particularly given the complexity and inherent risks associated with underground tunneling works.
“We’ve had a number of serious incidents here now where we’ve been lucky—sooner or later, we’re going to be unlucky, and we’ll be dealing with major injuries or worse,” Mr. Callinan warned. The recurring nature of these events underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues, including preventative maintenance and hazard identification.
Snowy Hydro’s Commitment to Safety
In a statement released on Thursday, Snowy Hydro acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing safety above all else. The organization confirmed plans to conduct an independent safety review and audit of the project, alongside requiring leadership changes within FGJV.
“Nothing is more important to Snowy Hydro than safety,” the statement read. “We’re committed to working with our workforce and unions to ensure that the safety standards we expect are in place at Snowy 2.0.” Moving forward, collaboration with SafeWork NSW will aim to progressively restart work while addressing outstanding safety concerns.
Project Delays and Financial Implications
Announced by the Turnbull government in 2017, the Snowy 2.0 project aims to deliver up to 2.2 gigawatts of power to the national grid upon completion. However, ongoing challenges have pushed the expected delivery date to late 2027—a six-year delay from initial projections. Cost overruns and repeated interruptions threaten the timeline and budget of this flagship initiative, raising broader questions about project governance and execution.
As discussions around renewable energy storage intensify, the success of Snowy 2.0 remains pivotal for meeting Australia’s climate goals. Ensuring robust safety frameworks and operational efficiency will be crucial to restoring trust among stakeholders and safeguarding the well-being of those involved.