HYDRO POWER - CLEANCO
CLEAN ENERGY POWERING ADVENTURE
THE POWER OF BIG WATER
Our region is one of the wettest in Australia. The consistently high average rainfalls provide the rainforests with the climate necessary to thrive, as the water runs down off the mountains, into rivers, creeks and streams, before making its way to the Coral Sea.
This presence of water also makes this the perfect destination to harness that natural asset, converting water into clean energy, hence the hydroelectrical stations.
As well as generating renewable energy, the hydro stations ensure the consistent flow of water needed to provide our world class white water rafting adventures.
Without the hydros, rafting would only be possible in the wet season, or following unseasonal heavy rain, when water overflows the weirs.
Clean Energy Powering Adventure
Cairns Adventure Group is proud to operate alongside CleanCo Queensland, the state's publicity owned clean energy generator. CleanCo manages more than 1,120 MW of renewable-generating capacity across Queensland, including two remarkable "run-of-river" hydroelectric stations right here in Far North Queensland: Barron Gorge and Kareeya.
These hydropower stations do more than generate renewable electricity, their water releases create the reliable river flows that allow us to safety operate white-water rafting all year round, even outside the wet season.
This partnership between renewable energy and nature-based tourism is a powerful example of how clean energy and sustainable adventure can work in harmony.
Located within in the Barron Gorge National Park, the Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station is a 66 MW run-of-water facility supplying reliable renewable power to Queensland. As part of CleanCo's clean-energy portfolio, Barron Gorge:
- Generates renewable energy even when solar and wind conditions are low.
- Uses natural river flows supplemented by Tinaroo Falls Dam.
- Provides enough electricity to power approximately 50,000 homes.
- Plays an important role in supporting Queensland's transition to affordable, reliable clean energy.
The Kareeya Hydroelectric Power Station sits deep in the Tully Gorge, producing 88 MW of renewable energy through a run-of-river system supported by Koombooloomba Dam and Tully Falls Weir. This renewable system ensures steady, predictable water releases that:
- Support rafting conditions year-round.
- Enhance river stability.
- Reduce dependence on rainfall for tourism activities.
- Form part of the broader Wet Tropics river system
CleanCo Queensland manages hydroelectric infrastructure that interacts with rivers used for recreation and tourism across Far North Queensland.
Their operations consider both energy generation and community use of waterways, including rafting and other river-based activities.
Key aspects include:
- Balancing water releases with recreational access
- Supporting river safety through managed flow conditions
- Contributing to regional infrastructure and energy supply
Hydropower contributes to Queensland’s energy mix and is part of the state’s approach to electricity generation.
Unlike rainfall-dependent river systems, regulated releases from hydro stations provide more consistent water levels, which influence recreation activities such as rafting.
These systems form part of the broader relationship between energy infrastructure, waterways and tourism in the region.
