Genex Power sheds light on the progress of its Kidston Hybrid Project
Work is powering ahead on a massive renewable energy project that will provide electricity to Townsville and Cairns.
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Work is powering ahead on a key renewable power project that will provide electricity to Townsville and Cairns according to the project’s latest update, with nearly 200 jobs expected to be created by the next stage.
Situated near Georgetown, 270km north west of Townsville, Genex Power’s $777m Kidston Clean Energy Hub will use wind, solar, pumped hydro and a battery storage system to full effect.
One of the components of the precinct is the 258MW Kidston Wind Project (K3-Wind), which has been renamed and reconfigured to the 270MW Kidston Hybrid Project (K3-Hybrid).
Now it combines 120MW of wind generation with a 150MW/600MWh BESS, in changes that Genex said would enhance performance, improve energy reliability, and minimise environmental impact.
The K3-Hybid project will connect to the new 275kV transmission line being delivered by Powerlink Queensland to Genex’s flagship project – the 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro).
Acting like a giant water battery, the K2-Hydro was expected to operate continuously for eight hours once it was completed later this year.
Genex chief executive Craig Francis said the project supported the transition to net zero in Queensland by delivering firm renewable generation, with the unique combination of wind energy and battery storage, to deliver power directly to Townsville and Cairns.
He confirmed that K3-Hybid project would create 180 jobs during the construction phase and 5-10 roles once operations commenced.
“Genex is working toward a target of commencing construction in 2026,” Mr Francis said.
“The workstreams for resource monitoring, procurement (BESS, wind turbines, and balance of plant), grid, and both State and Federal planning approvals are all well-progressed.”
There will be opportunities for local engagement in the project.
“CPP Nacap Joint Venture is Genex’s chosen principal contractor and will be reaching out to the community to provide details of where and how they can engage,” he said.
To help create greater awareness about how the Kidston Hybrid Project would deliver benefits to local businesses, create employment opportunities, and strengthen community infrastructure, Genex will host community information sessions in a roadshow that will stop into Charters Towers, Einasleigh, Greenvale, and Townsville, over the next fortnight.
The sessions will provide insights into the project’s purpose and key specifications, current and upcoming activities, including wind turbine transportation and potential community impacts.
Genex representatives will also explain benefits and opportunities for residents and the wider community, ways for local businesses, contractors, job seekers, and universities to participate.
To register or find out more, visit the Genex Power website.
Roadshow details
• Greenvale Roadshow – Tuesday, May 6 from 4pm to 6pm at Greenvale Community Centre (2 Acacia Drive, Greenvale).
• Einasleigh Roadshow – Wednesday, May 7 from 4pm to 6pm at Town Hall (Baroota St, Einasleigh).
• Townsville Roadshow – Tuesday, May 13 from 6pm to 8pm at Townsville RSL Club (139 Charters Towers Road, Hermit Park).
• Charters Towers Roadshow – Wednesday, May 14 from 6pm to 8pm at Charters Towers Golf Club (20 Dalrymple Rd, Charters Towers).
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