Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) - Owner’s Engineer
Client: Genex Power
Location: Queensland, Australia
Date: 2018 - ongoing
Supporting the transformation of an old gold mine into Australia's first pumped hydro development in 40 years
Background
The Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) is the first pumped hydro project developed in Australia in over 40 years. It is located in Far North Queensland on the site of the former Kidston gold mine and is designed to reuse abandoned gold mining pits for its upper and lower reservoirs. The pumped hydro scheme is expected to be capable of generating 250 MW over an 8 hour period (2,000 MWh). Power generated by the scheme will be sold into the National Electricity Market and the synchronous operation will strengthen the North Queensland grid.
Storage projects such as this are crucial for Australia’s clean energy transition, paving the way for more solar and wind in the grid while maintaining stability and reliability.
Entura has been involved with the project since early discussions with Genex Power in 2015. We previously completed the Technical Feasibility Study for the Kidston project, focusing on optimising the project to achieve a design which was technically and commercially feasible.
Since the feasibility study, our involvement has continued throughout early contractor involvement, independent due diligence assessments and financial close. We are now supporting the construction phase as Owner’s Engineer.
Solution
As Owner’s Engineer on the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, we are helping to achieve timely, quality outcomes for Genex Power during construction and commissioning.
Our scope includes a review of design activities (detailed design and engineering verification, review of EPC contractors’ plans, and grid connection arrangement), project management, construction and commissioning advice. We also manage the interface with the independent verifier and maintain a significant presence on site.
In response to the long-term potential for settlement of the waste rock dump on which the 275 kV switching station infrastructure is built, we performed an assessment of the likely settlement, which allowed the designers to size footings appropriately.
In our role as Owner’s Engineer, we have provided trusted advice to assist the owner assess claims by the contractor through the construction of the project.
Entura was also integral to the planning and implementation of the station SCADA/control systems and associated networks. Our experience as an owner/operator of power and water assets enabled us to share our knowledge and help to overcome challenges with integrating these systems with the transmission network services provider (TNSP), Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the market operator. Entura has also provided advice regarding cyber security risks and requirements relating to the Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework.
Services provided
- Owner's Engineer
- review of design activities, including detailed design, engineering verification, EPC contractors' plans and grid connection agreement
- project management
- construction and commissioning advice
- construction monitoring support
- SCADA/control system integration support
Outcome
The project is expected to be completed and energised in the second half of 2024.
We congratulate Genex on its renewable energy vision and are proud to have played a part in bringing it into reality. We are thrilled to have been involved from the project’s inception to its completion.
The Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro project is a leading example of how pumped hydro can deliver the rapid-response, flexible power to mitigate challenges in our transitioning energy system and achieve a sustainable, reliable and affordable energy future.
Our strong relationship with Genex Power has also seen us assist as a trusted advisor on other projects, including grid connection studies and support for its solar projects, and wind monitoring for the up to 258MW Wind Project co-located at the Kidston Renewable Energy Hub, with construction scheduled early 2025.
