Second stage funding for Kidston power project

THE world’s first integrated solar and pumped hydro hybrid project in Kidston is one step closer to being built after Australian Renewable Energy Agency announced up to $ 5 million in funding to help bring the landmark project to financial close in 2018.

The Federal Government agency will provide the cash to proponent Genex Power.

The agency has previously provided $ 4 million to Genex towards a technical feasibility study and a further $ 8.9 million towards the $ 130 million Kidston stage one solar project.

The additional funding will go to Kidston stage two, a hybrid solar and hydro project that is expected to comprise a 250MW pumped hydro electricity storage facility and 270MW solar PV plant, generating 783GWh of renewable electricity per year and powering more than 140,000 homes.

The Kidston site is 270km northwest of Townsville and will use two former gold mining pits as the reservoirs for the hydro project.

The pumped hydro project will provide dispatchable power for up to eight hours a day.

During peak power demand periods, water will be released from the upper to the lower reservoir, passing through re- versible turbines. During offpeak periods, solar power will be used to pump water from the lower to the upper reservoir.

ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said the stage two solar project was an important step in achieving a reliable grid and increasing the value delivered by renewable energy.