Genex Power Limited presented an update on the construction works for the 250MW/2,000MWh Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project.
Underground Works
Following the announcement on 20 February 2023 on the start of excavation works on the powerhouse cavern, Genex reported that excavation of the Main Access Tunnel and powerhouse cavern is progressing well as ground conditions remain favourable.
Simultaneously with the underground excavation, the raisebore machine, a vital piece of equipment required for the excavation of the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project shafts, has been mobilised to the site, and excavation for the ventilation shaft, the first of four shafts, has begun. Following the completion of the ventilation shaft, the raisebore machine will commence excavation of the electrical cable shaft, followed by the two water intake shafts for the Project.
Transmission Line
According to Genex, the Powerlink 275kV transmission line from Kidston to Guybal Munyan has significantly progressed (Mt Fox). All transmission line approvals have now been secured, and foundation installation works for transmission line towers and tower steel erection are scheduled to begin in April 2023. All earthworks for the Guybal Munyan substation have been finished, and foundation work has begun. Furthermore, the design work for the Aurumfield substation in Kidston is complete, and earthworks are scheduled to begin in early April 2023.
The K2H switchyard, which connects the underground high-voltage cables to the 275kV feeder at the Aurumfield substation, is also moving along nicely. Civil works are nearly completed, and steelwork and primary equipment are fitted.
Overall, the transmission infrastructure construction is proceeding on time, ensuring ample program float for the interface with the high voltage connection from the underground power station in 2024.
Wises Dam
The Wises Dam construction continues, with bulk earthworks over 90% completed. The concrete plinth (40% complete) and cement screed to the upstream face (60% complete) are both required for the later installation of the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner. Work on completing the HDPE liner placement is planned to begin in late April 2023.
Manufacture and delivery of electromechanical equipment
The core electromechanical equipment for the Project, consisting of two 125MW Andritz Hydro pump turbines, generators, and supporting equipment, is on schedule. Fabrication work has been going well, with deliveries expected to arrive in Australia in H2 CY2023. This will allow sufficient program float for the installation work, which is scheduled to begin in early CY2024.
