Webuild, as part of Future Generation Joint Venture (FGJV), is pleased to announce tunnel boring machine (TBM) Lady Eileen Hudson has achieved a significant milestone, successfully breaking through into the Snowy 2.0 underground cavern complex and completing her 6-kilometre tunnelling operations.

FGJV is the principal contractor for project owner Snowy Hydro, delivering Snowy 2.0, Australia’s largest renewable energy project.

The breakthrough marks the completion of the massive 2,300-tonne machine’s tunnelling work on the project, having previously excavated a 2.85-kilometre access tunnel before completing the 6-kilometre tailrace tunnel, which will connect Snowy 2.0’s underground power station to the lower reservoir, Talbingo Dam.

Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes said the breakthrough reflects the growing momentum across the project.

“There’s nothing more exciting on a tunnelling project than a breakthrough. Even more so with Snowy 2.0 because the geology we’re working with is extremely challenging,” Barnes said.

“The ground under the Snowy Mountains is making us work for every metre, but like the original Snowy Scheme, it’s inspiring to see what Australia can achieve when we take on the hardest tasks.”

Fabrizio Lazzarin, Project Director Future Generation Joint Venture, said TBM Lady Eileen Hudson’s breakthrough demonstrates the capability, resilience and determination of the project team in delivering one of Australia’s most complex infrastructure projects.

“Successfully navigating the challenging geology of the Snowy Mountains and completing this stage of tunnelling is a significant achievement for the entire workforce,” he said.

“This milestone reflects the collaboration, innovation and engineering expertise being applied every day across Snowy 2.0 as we help deliver a project that will support Australia’s energy future for generations to come.”

Adding to this tunnelling momentum, TBM Florence is approaching the halfway mark on her 15-kilometre journey, consistently achieving personal bests. At the opposite end of the tunnel alignment, Snowy 2.0’s recently commissioned custom-built fourth TBM, Monica, is excavating through the complex geology of the Long Plain Fault Zone. The two machines will meet in the middle before being disassembled deep underground.

Webuild was recently named in the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2026, recognised in the Pioneers category for shaping the future of infrastructure through engineering excellence, scale and long-term vision: the only engineering and construction company included on the list.

Webuild’s inclusion reflects its leadership in redefining how complex, large-scale infrastructure is engineered and delivered to support sustainable growth and long-term social value.

The recognition highlights Webuild’s track record in delivering some of the world’s most technically challenging and strategically significant infrastructure projects across transport and mobility, energy, water and sustainable urban development, underpinned by a strong focus on safety, innovation, environmental responsibility and community outcomes.

Webuild has delivered some of the world’s most iconic underground projects, including metro networks in New York, Paris and Melbourne, high-speed rail across Europe, hydraulic tunnels in Las Vegas and Buenos Aires, and major hydro projects such as Iceland’s Kárahnjúkar Dam and of course Snowy 2.0.

Across the globe, Webuild has operated more than 200 Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), excavating more than 1,500 kilometres of tunnels, enough to stretch from Melbourne to Brisbane.

In Australia, Webuild’s tunnelling footprint continues to grow. From Snowy 2.0 to Melbourne’s North East Link and the Suburban Rail Loop, Webuild teams and TBMs are helping shape the nation’s future infrastructure.

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