Inquiry into Snowy 2.0 by the JCPAA

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has commenced an inquiry into Snowy Hydro Limited’s management of the Snowy 2.0 project following a major project reset in August 2023.

Snowy 2.0 is the largest committed renewable energy project in Australia. The project reset doubled the estimated project cost from $6 billion to $12 billion and extended the expected completion dates. A further cost reassessment was announced in October 2025 but is yet to be released.

Committee Chair Josh Burns MP said, "Snowy 2.0 is vital for Australia’s energy future but the project has seen delays, growing costs and performance issues. The committee wants to understand Snowy Hydro Limited’s management of these issues and the lessons for other major public infrastructure projects.

"The financial risks of massive public projects like Snowy 2.0 rest with Australian taxpayers. The Parliament needs to ensure there are strong governance, risk management, forecasting and oversight arrangements in place to see this project completed."

The inquiry’s terms of reference include examining Snowy Hydro Limited’s management of Snowy 2.0, particularly the project reset and cost forecasting, schedule and risk management, and contractor oversight. The inquiry will further consider the findings in Auditor-General Report No. 39 2025–26, Delivery of Snowy 2.0.

Submissions to the inquiry addressing the terms of reference have been invited by Friday, October 9.

Further details of this inquiry – including its terms of reference, submissions received and public hearing schedules – can be accessed on the inquiry website.

ends