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Entura appointed Owner’s Engineer for Kidston dispatchable renewables hub

September 10, 2018

Specialist power and water consulting firm Entura has been engaged by Genex Power to deliver Owner’s Engineer services for Stage 2 of the 250 MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project and the 270 MW Kidston Solar Project.

Located in North Queensland, Australia, the two projects are the flagships of the Kidston Renewable Energy Hub, which will integrate large-scale solar with pumped hydro energy storage. A 50 MW solar farm is already in operation on the site.

Entura previously completed the Technical Feasibility Study for the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, focusing on optimising the project to achieve a design which was technically and commercially feasible.

“We’re pleased to have Entura on board again, working closely with our team to support the delivery of the Kidston Stage 2 projects,” said James Harding, CEO of Genex Power. “Entura’s wealth of experience and capability in hybrid renewables and hydropower, along with intimate knowledge of the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, makes them the ideal partner to enable the success of our projects.”

As Owner’s Engineer, Entura will play a vital role in ensuring timely, quality outcomes for Genex Power during the construction phase of these projects, working closely with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors McConnell Dowell, John Holland and UGL. Entura’s scope includes a review of activities (detailed design and engineering verification, review of EPC contractors’ plans, and grid connection arrangement), project management, construction and commissioning advice.

Commenting on the appointment, Entura Managing Director, Tammy Chu, said: “As believers in dispatchable renewables we have tuned our capabilities accordingly, especially in utility-scale hydropower, solar and wind farm developments, combining these with very strong power systems and grid connection capability.

“We’re very excited to be partnering with Genex Power to help them deliver their vision to combine pumped hydro energy storage with solar PV and, in due course, wind power.”

Entura is one of the leading consultants in dispatchable renewables in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region, with significant experience in utility-scale hydropower, solar and wind farms, energy storage and grid connection. The firm works with clients to help tackle the challenges of creating hybrid renewable energy projects, from grid-connected and utility-scale to small, isolated systems.