Apart from relying on a very expensive network of poles and wires, Snowy 2.0 is not nimble enough to take advantage of the merchant market.
This is where a network of widely distributed small scale hydro pumped storage and RE arrays would have a distinct advantage.
Because they are small, they won't require the massive cash outlay that Snowy 2.0 will need (up to $4.5 billion at last count).
"ITK analyst David Leitch says it is clear that Snowy 2.0 could not operate in the “merchant market”, it would not be able to make much money. So it will almost certainly rely on long term “reliability” contracts being contemplated by the NEG."
http://reneweconomy.com.au/costs-do...plan-to-push-coal-uphill-68730/#disqus_thread
