Genex will fast track development of stage two of its renewable energy project at Kidston, northwest of Townsville, on the back of it being declared “critical infrastructure” by State Development Minister Anthony Lynham.
The declaration of a ‘Critical Infrastructure Project’ is enjoyed by only one other project in Queensland.
It demonstrates recognition by the Queensland Government that Genex’s projects are ‘critical or essential for the State for economic, environmental or social reasons.’
Mr Lynham also expanded the ‘prescribed project’ declaration over the project to now include the proposed 270MW Kidston Solar Project area, the existing water pipeline easement from the Copperfield Dam to the Kidston site as well as the designated 180km easement corridor for construction of a 275kV transmission line between the Kidston site and Mount Fox.
Construction is well underway on stage one, a 50MW solar farm, on the site of the former gold mine.
Genex managing director Michael Addison said the declarations would facilitate the coordination and rapid development of Genex’s Stage 2 projects which include the 250MW hydro pumped storage scheme and the 270MW solar farm.
“The 50MW Solar Project is well advanced in its construction, employing 88 people on site,” Mr Addison said.
“Genex’s Stage 2 project is expected to generate an additional 500 jobs when construction commences next year.
“The declaration of the Kidston Renewable Energy Hub as a prescribed project and the more significant subset of critical infrastructure, enables Genex to fast track the development of its Stage 2 project.”
Mr Addison said the company had previously benefited from being declared a Prescribed Project, which facilitated rapid approvals for stage one.
“The Queensland Government’s recent announcement that it intends to commit $150 million to develop a 275kV transmission line in northern Queensland, which incorporates Genex’s Stage 2 projects, has the potential to significantly de-risk these projects and enable Genex to accelerate its development plans,” Mr Addison said.
Genex is now progressing energy offtake and project funding arrangements as it prepares to commence construction of its Stage 2 projects in 2018.
