Genex Power Limited’s plans for a 250MW pumped storage scheme as part of its Kidston stage 2 project have taken another step forward after the company received Development Approval (DA) from the Etheridge Shire Council (ESC) for the scheme.
The DA process involved referrals to several State Government entities, including the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME) for the approval of the Wises Dam structure, the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, and Ergon Energy. The DA represents a significant milestone for the K2-Hydro project which remains on track to commence construction in 2019.
Commenting on the approval, James Harding, Genex CEO said: “The DA is one of the last remaining milestones in the K2-Hydro permitting process which is required prior to financial close and then construction. The receipt of the DA is the culmination of a lot of effort and coordination between Genex and the Etheridge Shire Council over a long period of time and we would like to sincerely acknowledge and thank the Council for their efforts. At the same time we would like to acknowledge the strong support of the Office of the Coordinator General and the Queensland Government in helping us to complete the approvals process.”
Warren Devlin, Mayor of ESC added: “The Etheridge Shire Council is very supportive of Genex’s pumped storage hydro project and the significant job creation and economic development it will bring to the region.”
The Kidston Stage 2 projects are comprised of the 250MW Pumped Storage project and the adjacent multi-staged 270MW Solar project (K2S).
