First Solar to deliver on Kidston project

Genex Power has achieved financial close for phase one of the Kidston solar project in Queensland, Australia. The news means that First Solar will supply 63 MW DC of advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules to the project, which will produce approximately 145,000 MWh of electricity in its first year of operation. The project is located next to the proposed Kidston Pumped Storage Project and Genex Power will seek to integrate solar generation with a pumped hydroelectricity energy storage system.

“As Australia continues to diversify its renewable energy portfolio, this project is an excellent example of the potential of large-scale solar application and industry best practice,” said Ewan Norton-Smith, First Solar’s senior manager for business development in Australia.

“The combination of solar energy with pumped-storage hydroelectricity will allow for increasing penetration of renewable energy into the grid and will contribute to the stability of supply in the National Electricity Market. Genex Power is at the forefront of this emerging industry, and with several compelling Australian projects on the horizon, we’re proud to be supporting phase one of the project,” Norton-Smith said.

Situated 270 kilometres north-west of Townsville in north Queensland, the first phase of the project will use more than 540,000 First Solar thin-film PV modules. First Solar technology has a higher energy yield in hot and humid climates due to its lower temperature coefficient and over the course of a plant’s operational life will translate to substantial gains in power output.

The electricity generated will be sold via a Power Purchase Agreement supported by the Queensland Government. The project is also supported by $8.9 million of Commonwealth Government funding through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

Construction of the project will be managed by UGL Engineering Pty Ltd and is on schedule to commence in the first half of 2017.