NQ hub fast tracked with hydro project

GENEX Power’s Kidston Renewable Energy Hub in Far North Queensland has been fast tracked with the $330 million Kidston Pumped Hydro Storage project declared a coordinated project.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the project, located at the decommissioned Kidston Gold Mine within Etheridge Shire, proposed an innovative use of two existing adjacent water-filled mine pits to generate hydro-electricity.

“If approved, the project could employ 370 people during the two-year construction and have a minimum lifespan of 50 years,” he said.

The Kidston Renewable Energy Hub comprises three stages: a solar power project (50 MW) which has been constructed, a proposed new solar project (270 MW) to integrate with the K2H project (250 MW), which is currently undergoing assessment and a wind farm project (150 MW) which is in the feasibility stage.

“When complete, Stages 1 and 2 of the Kidston Renewable Energy Hub will provide enough energy to power around 160,000 Australian homes – enough power for a city bigger than Cairns,” Mr Dick said.

If approved construction is due to commence in 2019 and expected to be completed by 2021.

For more information visit: www.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/kidstonhydro