The world’s first integrated solar and pumped hydro hybrid project in Kidston is one step closer to completion. Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) today announced up to $5 million in funding to Genex Power Limited to help bring the landmark hybrid solar hydro project to a financial close in 2018.
The Kidston Stage Two is a hybrid solar and hydro project. It will comprise a 250MW pumped hydro electricity storage (PHES) facility and a 270MW solar PV power plant.
This will generate around 783GWh of renewable electricity per year and power over 140,000 Australian homes.
Gold mining pits transformed into reservoirs
The Kidston site is 270km north west of Townsville and utilises two existing gold mining pits as the reservoirs for the project to minimise construction time and costs.
The solar PV and PHES hybrid enables Genex to create a reliable, dispatchable and affordable energy generator that is entirely renewable.
PHES will also be also be able to provide stability and support to the grid, including ancillary services.
During peak power demand periods water will release from the upper to the lower reservoir, passing through reversible turbines. During off peak periods and when sun is abundant, water will return from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. This pumping will use electricity primarily from the solar farm.
Hybrid solar hydro storage a flexible energy option
“Stage Two of the Kidston hydro and solar project is an important step in achieving a secure and reliable grid for Australia and increasing the value delivered by renewable energy,” ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said.
“Kidston will be the only grid connected solar project located in Australia’s solar red zone, providing consistent strong sun throughout the year, and combining it with pumped hydro will provide Queensland access to an entirely renewable flexible energy option.”
ARENA’s funding will help the project reach financial close by mid-2018, with up to $4.5 million of the grant to be convertible at the Minister’s discretion.
ARENA has previously provided $4 million to Genex towards the technical feasibility study of the PHES portion of the project. A further $8.9 million went towards the Kidston Stage One solar PV project as part of the $92 million large-scale solar PV competitive round.
