Kidston powers up jobs

HUNDREDS of new jobs will be up for grabs when the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) starts construction early next year.

Genex Power announced it had finalised offtake agreements between the company and EnergyAustralia yesterday.

K2-Hydro will work alongside K2-Solar at the same site to generate, store and supply renewable energy to thousands of homes across the Far North.

Genex Power executive director Simon Kidston said it was a long time coming.

“The term sheet is the culmination of many months of deep engagement between Genex and EnergyAustralia,” he said.

“We look forward to closing the transaction expeditiously and welcoming EnergyAustralia Kidston Solar has a lifespan of more than 30 years, and when completed, the 270mW phase two will integrate with the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) project. on board as our project equity partner.”

Mr Kidston told the Cairns Post 500 jobs would be on offer from next year for three years and a contractor was expected to start hiring staff in April.

He said the impact of the project on the Far North would be huge, with clean energy being made available for 260,000 households, 500 construction jobs and a stabilisation of the grid.

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