Genex Power has announced a major milestone has been reached in its Kidston Clean Energy Hub connection project, with the first of 348 transmission towers being constructed.
The project will stretch 186km between Genex Power’s Kidston Clean Energy Hub and the Guybal Munjan Switching Station at Mount Fox, supporting 400 jobs during construction.
Drones will be used to help string the transmission wires between the towers.
Powerlink is constructing the transmission line, which forms a key part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
Powerlink has engaged 25 local suppliers, with contracts valued at more than $30 million for works on the project.
The project also involves building two new switching stations with works already well underway.
Weather dependent, the project is expected to be completed by mid-to-late 2024.
Powerlink Project Director, Tony Janas, said, “Powerlink, alongside our construction partners, will construct 348 transmission towers over coming months.
“The construction of these towers means we are one step closer in enabling the flow of clean energy into communities across North Queensland.
“In coming weeks, we will be using innovative drone technology to string the wires that will eventually connect the pumped hydro project to the grid.
“New control buildings have also arrived in Brisbane to complete factory acceptance testing before being deployed to the Aurumfield Switching Station.
“These buildings will feature leading technology and are a critical part in maintaining security and reliability of electricity out of the pumped hydro system to North Queensland.”
Featured image: Construction of transmission towers at the Kidston Clean Energy Hub. Courtesy of Powerlink.
