Kidston pumped hydro marks Australia’s first new grid addition in 40 years

The Kidston pumped hydro project in Queensland has been added to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s management system, marking the first new pumped hydro asset to join Australia’s main grid in four decades. The registration on November 18 allows the first of two 125 MW units to be energised, starting a detailed commissioning phase.

The project is located at the former Kidston Gold Mine, about 280 km northwest of Townsville. Genex Power is developing the 250 MW facility by converting the mine’s upper Wises Pit and lower Eldridge Pit into reservoirs. The site includes a 20 metre dam for the upper reservoir, a powerhouse cavern, underground tunnels, a tailrace, and a spillway to the Copperfield River. 

Kidston is designed to provide eight hours of storage and deliver fast start capability to the National Electricity Market. The plant will generate during peak demand and pump water to the upper reservoir during low demand. Genex says the system can support over 100,000 homes for eight hours once fully operational. The project received support from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency through its Advancing Renewables Program.

The pumped hydro plant is part of a larger energy hub under development at the site. A 50 MW solar farm is already operating. Plans include a 120 MW wind farm and a 150 MW/600 MWh battery system, with community consultations underway. The full Kidston portfolio is owned by Genex Power, now fully acquired by its joint venture partner J Power.