Backing to fast-track Kidston wind farm feasibility work

Japanese public utility J-Power has signed up to help fund and develop Genex Power’s proposed Kidston Stage-3 wind project.

The wind farm would be part of the $1 billion Kidston Clean Energy Hub, along with an existing solar farm and the cornerstone Kidston pumped storage hydro project, which Genex says is nearing financial close.

J-Power will earn a stake of up to a 50 per cent in the North Queensland wind farm through an initial contribution of $1.5 million to expedite monitoring, planning and other feasibility work over the next 12-18 months.

Genex Power said the feasibility workstreams would allow project financing activities to be conducted, with construction expected to start in 2022.

“Genex is very pleased to enter into this development agreement with J-Power and thus continue to build the strong working relationship we have developed since 2019,” Genex chief executive officer James Harding said.

“With over 1GW in their global wind portfolio, J-Power brings considerable global wind experience to the development of the Kidston wind project, which will be Genex’s first wind farm.

“The agreement provides Genex with access to J-Power’s significant wind expertise alongside additional project level capital, and will enable us to expedite the project development activities with the aim of bringing it online shortly after our flagship Kidston pumped storage hydro project in 2024. “

The projects are located at the old Kidston gold mine site about 270km north-west of Townsville.

The wind farm agreement comes after Genex signed a new $25 million Share Subscription Agreement with J-Power in August.