Further project approvals for Kidston pumped storage project, Australia

Source: https://www.waterpowermagazine.com

Genex Power Limited has announced it has received Generator Performance Standards (GPS) approval from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) for the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) project, meaning that the project can operate in accordance with the required electricity standards of the National Electricity Market in Australia.

The GPS approval is one of the most complex and significant milestones for K2-Hydro following a long and detailed submission process with AEMO and also satisfies a key condition in transmission network service provider Powerlink Queensland’s Offer to Connect, marking one of the final project approvals required for financial close.

“I would like to thank AEMO and Powerlink for their excellent cooperation and coordinated approach over the past few months in negotiating the performance standards for the project and allowing Genex to achieve this significant milestone,” commented James Harding, CEO of Genex. “K2-Hydro will be the first pumped storage hydro project to be connected to the national electricity network in over thirty years. The GPS approval took a strong collaborative effort from all parties to agree the standards appropriate for this type of generator. I anticipate that future pumped storage hydro projects will benefit from the work required for Kidston.”

The 250MW K2-Hydro project is part of the overall Kidston Stage 2 (K2) project, which includes a co-located 270MW solar PV project (K2-Solar) at Kidston, North Queensland.