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Customer: Genex Power Contract: Early Contractor Involvement Location: Kidston, Queensland   |
Fast Facts
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We are constructing the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project in Far North Queensland - an innovative project that involves the world-first conversion of a disused gold mine into a pumped storage hydroelectric power generation facility.
This first-of-its-kind natural battery storage facility has the potential to generate up to 250 MW of rapid response (less than 30 seconds), flexible power to Australia’s National Electricity Market.
With construction now well underway, the project will be a gamechanger for the clean energy industry in Australia and worldwide as it is an entirely new approach to large-scale energy storage. The project is an important step in the move towards a more sustainable energy future.
The project is being led by Genex Power and involves the conversion of two existing mine pits into reservoirs. The technical feasibility and collaborative design development process took approximately four years. The construction involves significant underground infrastructure, including a large powerhouse cavern, and waterway shafts and tunnels to allow the transfer of water between the upper and lower reservoirs.
Once completed, the facility will generate power during peak demand periods and return water back to the upper reservoir during off peak periods. The facility will generate enough electricity to power over 100,000 homes for eight hours.
The project continues to build McConnell Dowell’s presence throughout Australia in the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects in the resources, energy and transport sectors.
The Project received funding from ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency) as part of their Advancing Renewables Program.
Here's a construction update from December 2023.
