Genex Power says it has received development approval for the next stage of its Kidston solar project, which will end up becoming the country’s, and most likely the world’s, first major solar project paired with large pumped hydro storage.

Genex says the Etheridge shire council has given the development approval (DA) for the K2-Solar project, which will involve up to 270MW of large scale solar – over and above the nearly completed first stage of 50MW. The K2-Solar project forms a key part of the plan to build a pumped hydro storage project in the old Kidston gold mine.

Engineering contracts for both components are expected to be completed by the end of June, and discussions on finance are also taking place. It has also selected hydraulic power specialist Andritz as the preferred electromechanical equipment supplier, including the reversible Francis pump-turbines.