- The first tower for the transmission line has been constructed.
- The project will connect Genex Power’s Kidston Clean Energy Hub to the Guybal Munjan Switching Station at Mount Fox.
- Powerlink has engaged 25 local suppliers, with contracts valued at more than $30 million for works on the project.
A major milestone has been reached in the Genex Kidston Connection Project which is supporting 400 jobs during construction.
The first of 348 transmission towers has been built for the project which will stretch 186km between Genex Power’s Kidston Clean Energy Hub and switching station at Mount Fox.
Drones will also be used to help string the transmission wires between the towers.
Powerlink is constructing the transmission line from Genex’s Kidston Clean Energy Hub project to Mount Fox switching station - a key part of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
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.
Quotes attributable to Powerlink Project Director Tony Janas:
"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.”
Fast facts:
- 348 transmission towers
- 186 km of transmission line
- tower height on average around 50 metres
- 5,500 tonnes of galvanised steel
