Mott MacDonald and GHD will deliver engineering services for the design of the Genex Power’s 250MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, for the McConnell Dowell, John Holland Group joint venture.

The Kidston Pumped Storage project is a $777 million project, creating over 800 jobs during the four-year construction period and when operational, will contribute to significant benefits to the electricity network in North Queensland, as well as serving to lower electricity prices. The project is the first pumped storage power station to be built in Australia for nearly 40 years. 

The project requires the conversion of two existing mine pits into reservoirs. It 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 when solar and wind generation is not available and return water back to the upper reservoir when there is an abundance of renewable power.

“Together with our design partner GHD, we are proud to be contributing to this landmark project that has the potential to be a real game changer for the industry and the region,” said David Johnson, regional managing director for Asia Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, Mott MacDonald. “By leveraging our global expertise in pumped hydro and our local knowledge and know-how, this project will demonstrate what is possible and help pave the way for future innovative pumped hydro projects both domestically and globally.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time and a great opportunity to demonstrate the potential of smarter solutions to enhance grid stability, energy security and importantly deliver the clean energy solutions urgently needed to decarbonise our future.”

Stephen Trainor, GHD director, added: “GHD is thrilled to be part of leading Australia’s energy transition and we look forward to the continuation of our proven collaborative relationship with our partner Mott MacDonald in the delivery of this important project for the local communities and Australia.”

Official ground breaking for the project was held on 10 June, with the project having reached financial close back in mid May.