900 jobs, 35 trucks: K2-Hydro Project gains momentum as first parts arrive
The construction of a pumped storage hydropower plant at the former Kidston gold mine is gaining momentum, with the first delivery of parts arriving at the Port of Townsville.
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The construction of a pumped storage hydropower plant at the former Kidston gold mine is gaining momentum, with the first delivery of parts arriving at the Port of Townsville.
The 250MW Kidston Pumped Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) — located 270km northwest of Townsville — will be the country’s third-biggest electricity storage facility when Genex Power complete it by early 2025.
Genex Power CEO James Harding said having the parts arrive in Townsville this week was an important milestone for their 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,” he 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.”
International supplier ANDRITZ will be supplying the electro-mechanical equipment for the pumped storage hydro elements of the 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.
The manufacturing of turbine components and generator components is underway, and the arrival of this equipment is planned for the second quarter of 2023.
Resources Minister and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the project was expected to create up to 900 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,” he said.
Originally published as 900 jobs, 35 trucks: K2-Hydro Project gains momentum as first parts arrive
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