Australia's Genex Power said last week in a press release it has started the full feasibility study on the innovative hybrid solar-hydro project at an abandoned gold mine in North Queensland.
Genex is examining the feasibility of a 150MW solar photovoltaic park to be co-located with a 330MW pumped storage hydropower plant to be build on top of the existing tailings storage facility at the Kidston mine.
Aecom is executing the works as the feasibility manager and engineering contractor.
The site offers one of the best levels of solar irradiation in Australia, Genex said. Genex also said that 99 percent of the solar power will be produced at higher demand periods.
The Kidston solar project was a “natural next step” for the power firm as it aims to take advantage of existing physical and intangible assets and recognise the potential of the Kidston site as a large-scale energy hub co-location.