Genex Power has appointed the Owner’s Engineer for construction of the Kidston Solar Project, a solar project in North Queensland being built on the site of the historic Kidston Gold Mine.
Genex announced that AECOM will be the Owner’s Engineer for the project’s first phase due to their significant experience building solar projects in Australia.
AECOM has assisted Genex on the development and feasibility of the Kidston Solar Project since June 2015 and has played a key role in assisting Genex in:
- Finalising the technical and commercial negotiations for the Connection Agreement with Ergon Energy
- EPC tendering and short listing contractors
- Planning approvals support and impact studies
- Conducting general technical and economic analysis of the Solar Project.
AECOM, as the Owner’s Engineer, will use its local and international experience in the solar sector to ensure industry best practices are applied to the project.
AECOM’s technical specialists bring with them a detailed focus to the development of robust and functional Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) specifications to ensure cost competitive project outcomes.
AECOM’s recent solar experience includes acting as Owner’s Engineer for the recently commissioned 10MW Sandfire DeGrussa Solar Power Project in Western Australia, Lead Designer (civil, structural, electrical and construction support) for the 20 MW Royalla Solar Farm (commissioned 2014) and Lead Designer for the 15MW Sunshine Coast Solar Farm (to be commissioned early 2017).
AECOM’s experience in an Australian context will assist Genex in managing compliance requirements, key risks and challenges during the different project stages to ensure the success of the project.
Genex Managing Director Michael Addison said, “AECOM’s proven expertise in building Australian solar projects adds to Genex’s project delivery team. We look forward to continuing our well established relationship with AECOM.
“The Company remains on track to commence construction later this year and targets first cash flow within 12 months of construction commencing.”
Genex has also completed a detailed EPC contractor evaluation and negotiation process with its short listed EPC contractor parties. Genex anticipates significant design and cost efficiencies compared to Feasibility Study outcomes and will select a preferred EPC contractor shortly.
Construction of the Kidston Solar Project is on track to commence in late 2016.
