Local news Australia
13/05/2025: Important milestone reached - Spiral case successfully positioned at Kidston PSP
End of April 2025, the spiral case/stay ring assembly of Unit 2 at Kidston pumped storage project in Australia was successfully lifted into position. This achievement marks a critical advancement in installation works and underscores commitment to quality site works and excellence in installation process.
Kidston is the first pumped storage hydropower project in Australia in over 40 years, and notably, the first to be developed by the private sector. It will become the third largest electricity storage device in the country, playing a pivotal role in enhancing energy security and sustainability.
In 2021, ANDRITZ signed a contract for the design, manufacture and supply of the electromechanical equipment for the Kidston project in Queensland, Australia. This partnership has been instrumental in driving the project forward.
Reaching this milestone by placing the first of two spiral cases into its final destination, as scheduled, is a testament to EPC contractor’s (a joint venture comprising of John Holland and Mc Connell Dowell) meticulous planning and execution under the supervision of ANDRITZ technical advisors.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with installation team and achieving further milestones as we advance towards the completion of the Kidston pumped storage hydropower project.
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28/03/2025: PSP Kidston, Australia: Significant progress achieved
The Kidston hydropower pumped storage project is a groundbreaking project aimed at revolutionizing Australia's renewable energy landscape. This 250MW facility is set to play a crucial role in stabilizing the national grid by providing reliable, dispatchable power. As part of the larger Kidston Clean Energy Hub, the project integrates solar power with hydropower pumped storage to create a sustainable and efficient energy solution.
In a landmark development in the installation process, the rotor assembly has commenced at the Kidston project in North Queensland. This significant milestone marks a crucial step forward in the construction of Australia's first hydropower pumped storage project in over four decades. The early start of the rotor assembly at the laydown yard is a brilliant idea from EPC contractor (MDJH JV) together with ANDRITZ teams and will reduce the overall installation period significantly thus bringing the project one step closer to its goal of delivering clean, reliable energy to the region.
ANDRITZ, being responsible for supplying the electromechanical equipment for the project, has been making steady progress in supporting the EPC contractor John Holland and McConnell Dowell Joint Venture in the installation phase. The commencement of rotor assembly, initiated by MDJH JV team - under technical advisory of ANDRITZ Hydropower Austria and executed by team members of ANDRITZ Hydropower Indonesia, is a testament to their dedication and expertise in advancing this groundbreaking project.
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05/03/2025: Pumped storage: Powering Australia’s energy future
As Australia advances toward its 82% renewable energy target by 2030, pumped storage hydropower is poised to play a key role in ensuring energy reliability. To support this transition, industry leaders gathered at the Pumped Storage Hydropower: Powering Australia’s Energy Future workshop, co-hosted by GHD and the International Hydropower Association (IHA) in Brisbane and Sydney. The event featured insights from key industry leaders, including Malcolm Turnbull, Former Prime Minister of Australia and President of IHA, Kieran Cusack, CEO of Queensland Hydro, and James Katsikas, CEO of EDF Australia, who highlighted the role of pumped storage in strengthening Australia's energy security.
Alexander Schwab, Senior Vice President ANDRITZ Hydropower, moderated the project development breakout session, leading discussions on de-risking investments, managing site-specific risks, and improving investor engagement. His session provided a platform for industry leaders to exchange insights on policy frameworks, investment confidence, and overcoming development challenges.
ANDRITZ is supporting Australia’s energy transition through the Kidston pumped storage hydropower project in Queensland. By repurposing two former mining pits, this project will store and dispatch renewable energy, providing electricity for 280,000 households. It marks Australia’s first pumped storage hydropower project in over 40 years.
A special thank you to the International Hydropower Association (IHA) for co-hosting this important event and fostering meaningful discussions on hydropower’s future.
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08/11/2023: Kidston, Australia – Let’s go!
In October 2023, the last pieces of equipment for the Kidston pumped storage power plant finally arrived on site. Now all the components, large and small, are on site and installation can begin.
Featuring an innovative approach to integrating solar power and low-cost energy storage, Kidston is set to be the world’s first co-located solar pumped storage hydropower plant. Located in...
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