The first spiral case has been successfully installed at the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project in Queensland.
The installation marks a major milestone in the project, which will involve the world-first conversion of a disused gold mine into a pumped storage hydroelectric power generation facility.
The spiral case is a key part of the powerhouse, directing high-pressure water into the turbine — and its installation signals the project’s transition from civil construction to major mechanical works.
Works have included completing deep underground excavation, precision concrete works and heavy cranage.
McConnell Dowel are constructing the project which includes a battery storage facility which has the potential to generate up to 250 megawatts of rapid response (less than 30 seconds), flexible power to Australia’s National Electricity Market.
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The project, being led by Genex Power is expected to further clean energy industry in Australia and worldwide.
The technical feasibility and collaborative design development process took approximately four years.
The construction involves significant underground infrastructure, including a large powerhouse cavern, and waterway shafts and tunnels to allow the transfer of water between the upper and lower reservoirs
Once completed, the facility will generate power during peak demand periods and return water back to the upper reservoir during off peak periods and enough electricity to power over 100,000 homes for eight hours.
For more information, visit: www.mcconnelldowell.com/
