Construction to begin on the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project

McConnell Dowell is pleased to be delivering the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project in Far North Queensland. In a world-first, this project will convert a disused gold mine into a pumped storage hydroelectric power generation facility.

The pumped storage hydro power station will use the pits of the old mine, with water run from the upper to the lower pit through two turbines at times of peak power demand and pumped back during low demand to restart the cycle.

With delivery partner John Holland, McConnell Dowell will soon commence works on the natural battery storage facility that has the potential to generate up to 250 MW of rapid response, flexible power to Australia’s National Electricity Market.

CEO Scott Cummins says this project is an important step in Australia’s move towards a more sustainable energy future.

“For 60 years McConnell Dowell has successfully delivered complex infrastructure with our customers and the community and the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project is another excellent example of our creative construction ethos in action. We are thrilled to be part of part of this development. The award of this work continues to build McConnell Dowell’s growing presence throughout Australia in the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects in the resource, energy and transport sectors.”  

McConnell Dowell Project Director Bruno Tirrizzi is excited to be leading the team that will deliver this innovative project

“It’s great to be moving into the construction phase of Kidston after a long and rewarding collaboration with Genex and our delivery partners on the design of the facility”, Mr Tirrizzi said.

The project is led by Genex Power, Australia’s leading renewable energy and storage company, and along with requiring the conversion of two existing mine pits into reservoirs, involves the construction of significant underground infrastructure including a large powerhouse cavern and waterway shafts and tunnels to allow the transfer of water between the upper and lower reservoirs to  generate power during peak periods and return water back to the upper reservoir during off peak periods.

 

Kidston