The Kidston Pumped Hydro Project in North Queensland has achieved two major project milestones.
The Genex Kidston Connection Project has received EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) approval; and the first delivery of parts for the pumped hydro station have arrived at the Port of Townsville.
Genex Power CEO, James Harding, said having the parts arrive in Townsville was an important milestone for the project.
“These parts will now be transported to site where they will be stored until the underground powerhouse excavation is complete and the equipment installation commences,” Mr Harding said.
“The Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project is Genex’s flagship project, and the first of its kind to be developed in Australia in more than 40 years.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with Townsville and all of North Queensland to support job opportunities as the project progresses.”
ANDRITZ is supplying the electro-mechanical equipment for the pumped storage hydro elements of this ground-breaking new project.
Some of the parts being delivered into the port include stay rings, spiral case sections, draft tube liner sections, draft tube cones and draft tube gate frames for the embedment into the concrete structure of the powerhouse.
In total, the current transport comprises 35 trucks, which are on their way to the Kidston site.
ANDRITZ Hydro said the manufacturing of turbine components and generator components is underway, and the arrival of this equipment is planned during Q2 2023.
The Kidston Pumped Hydro Project is expected to create up to 900 jobs.
Queensland Energy Minister, Mick de Brenni, said Queensland will need a portfolio of energy projects to be developed by both the public and private sector to meet the state’s renewable energy targets.
“Our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is all about a future of cheaper, cleaner and secure energy for Queenslanders, powering good jobs in new regional industries,” Mr de Brenni said.
“It will build the Queensland SuperGrid, Australia’s largest, transporting renewable energy from the regions, powering industry and households.
“It’s pumped hydro projects that will underpin our reliable power, storing cheap renewable energy and pumping out power when we need it.”
Queensland Resources Minister and Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart, said it was exciting to see the first delivery for Genex Power’s Kidston project arrive in North Queensland.
“This is an exciting project for the region because pumped hydro is an important part of our Energy and Jobs plan moving forward,” Mr Stewart said.
“This project is already creating good jobs in Townsville and North Queensland.
“Not only will the Kidston project be a fantastic mix of solar and pumped hydro, it also demonstrates innovative thinking by transforming an old mine site into an energy hub.
